Hello, travelers! 🙂
I have just returned from an interesting trip to Malta, and i can finally share my 4-day itinerary with you, which also includes a wonderful day trip to the islands of Gozo and Comino. Fabio and i actually spent 3 days there, but i recommend adding an extra day! Ready to follow me on this new adventure? Let’s go!
Where to stay
As soon as you arrive at the airport, you have two options: a bus that costs 2 euros and takes you anywhere, or a Bolt ride for 10-13 euros that can take you to Sliema, St Julian’s, or Valletta.
We stayed in Sliema, but St Julian’s is also a great starting point. Here are some hotels I recommend for your stay in Malta. Remember to book as early as possible to find great deals at a low price:
- Boho Rooms Sliema: we stayed in this apartment. Initially, I wasn’t thrilled, but after comparing the prices of other hotels, I’d say that for the price/position, it’s not so bad. You can find it HERE
- Privilege Suit SLiema: located in Sliema, less than 1 km from Balluta Bay Beach and a 13-minute walk from Exiles Beach. You can find it HERE.
- Casa Leon Malta: located in St Julian’s, 600 meters from St George’s Bay beach and 1.7 km from Balluta Bay Beach. You can find it HERE.
Boho Hostel: a more “basic” but economic accommodation. A hostel that also has rooms with private bathrooms at quite low prices. Great reviews! HERE.
- Eleven by Warren Collection: generally, you find many apartments in Malta, but this is a hotel in Sliema! You can find it HERE.
- Tritoni Harbour suites – Valletta: if you want to enjoy a holiday in the capital, I’d say this apartment in Valletta is for you. I see it at 150 euros per night in July. You can find it HERE.
Day 1
Let’s start our adventure by taking the bus from Sliema and arriving at the Triton Fountain, the entrance point to Valletta. Valletta is recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, so I recommend getting lost in its streets to admire its historical beauty. It is also one of the smallest capitals in Europe, with only 0.8 km² of area, so it will take you very little time to explore it all.
Main Attractions:
- Upper Barrakka Gardens: don’t miss the Saluting Battery, a ceremony that takes place at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. For a better view, you can purchase a ticket for 3 euros.
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral: famous for its Caravaggio frescoes.
- Lower Barrakka Gardens: another panoramic garden offering a splendid view of the harbor.
- Historic Streets: stroll through the narrow streets of Valletta and admire its historic buildings and characteristic colorful windows.
For lunch, i recommend trying pastizzi and qassatat. Pastizzi are puff pastries filled with ricotta or peas, while qassatat are small savory pies filled with ricotta, spinach, and other fillings. They cost very little (about 0.50 cents) and are found everywhere, perfect for a low-cost lunch.
After exploring Valletta, take the bus to reach the three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). Take a walk to discover their rich history and the charm of the ancient streets.
Finally, head to Marsaxlokk, a wonderful fishing village famous for its Sunday morning market. Even on a weekday, I found Marsaxlokk fascinating and less crowded, perfect for a quiet stroll along the harbor, admiring the traditional Maltese boats: the “luzzu.”
Day 2
For today’s excursion, you can decide whether to rely on organized tours with GetYourGuide:
From Sliema: cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon for 30€ per person. Find the link HERE.
- From Cirkewwa: Comino, Gozo, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and a cave cruise for 25€ per person. HERE.
- From your hotel in Malta: Jeep tour of Gozo with lunch and hotel transfers. 80€ per person. Find the link HERE.
- Find all other experiences and guided tours you can book in Malta HERE.
Alternatively, you can book on-site at one of the many kiosks scattered around Sliema or Valletta, or do as we did and organize everything independently.
Wake up at 6 AM to take the bus from Sliema to the port of Cirkewwa, from where the ferry to Comino departs. The first ferry leaves at 8:15 AM. We opted for a fast boat, even though the sea was a bit rough and the crossing was quite bumpy. 🙂 I was told that at different times, larger and more stable boats depart based on the number of people. By leaving so early, we managed to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without the crowds, a truly wonderful paradise!
The loungers cost 15 euros, regardless of the arrival time (we were there in June 2024). If you arrive later and find it crowded, you can still explore the island and find less frequented but equally beautiful beaches.
The ferry ticket, which cost us 15 euros, also included the trip from Comino to Gozo. In Gozo, we rented a scooter for 40 euros per day and explored the island. Be careful: driving is on the left!
Main Attractions in Gozo:
- Marsalforn: a wonderful coastal town where we stopped for lunch. We ate at Otters Bistro: delicious main courses! Be aware that garlic is everywhere and there’s a lot of it, haha.
- Ramla Bay: one of the most famous beaches in Gozo, known for its red sand. Perfect for an after-lunch nap.
- Rabat (Victoria): the heart of Gozo, where we explored the historic center and the citadel.
In reality, there is much more (like the Blue Hole, which we didn’t have time to see), so if you have an extra day, I recommend spending a night in Gozo to fully enjoy the island in total relaxation.
We then ended the day by taking the fast ferry from Gozo to Valletta.
Day 3
Day Three is dedicated to exploring the northern part of Malta, rich in beautiful coastal landscapes, charming towns, and unique attractions.
We start the day with a visit to St. Paul’s Bay. This place is known for its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. It is also an important historical site, as it is said that St. Paul was shipwrecked here. We continue with a visit to Bugibba Square, the bustling heart of the tourist resort of Bugibba. Here you will find numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, perfect for lunch. Enjoy a walk along the coast, and why not take a nice swim too? 🙂
Other attractions in Northern Malta
Mellieha: one of the most picturesque towns in the north. Here you can visit the beautiful parish church of Mellieha and enjoy the panoramic view of the bay below. Cool off with a swim at Mellieha Bay, one of the largest and most popular beaches in Malta, ideal for relaxing in the sun and taking a dip in the sea.
Popeye Village: if you are traveling with children (or if you are a fan of Popeye), visit Popeye Village, the original film set of the 1980 movie “Popeye.” Today it is a theme park with attractions for all ages. The cost is 18 euros for adults, so many people spend entire days there enjoying mini golf, beaches, shows, etc.
Day 4
We start the last day with a visit to Mdina, also known as “The Silent City.” This name comes from its tranquil and quiet atmosphere, as traffic is banned in most of the city, and only a few residents live there. Mdina is a fortified city with a history that dates back over 4000 years, with cobblestone streets and majestic palaces that tell stories of a glorious past. And if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you will surely recognize several corners 🙂
A few steps from Mdina is Rabat, another city rich in history and culture. Here you can find the St. Paul’s Catacombs: a complex of Roman catacombs, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta. Then the St. Paul’s Grotto, where it is said that St. Paul lived during his stay in Malta.
If you have time, head towards the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, located along the island’s western coast. Last Evening in Valletta.
Other Tips
Adapter: remember to bring an adapter with you, as the outlets in Malta are different. the universal one that I use can be found HERE.
Getting around by bus: download the Tallinja app to easily get around by bus. Just enter your destination, and it will tell you which bus to take. Tickets cost 2 euros, but there is also the option to get a subscription card. Here is a screenshot of the app with the subscriptions. If you don’t get the card, you can pay on board with contactless card or cash, but with an additional fee of 0.50 cents.
Taxi: you can use Uber or Bolt to get around, although Bolt is more commonly used. Prices are low: for 30 minutes of travel, it costs about 12-13 euros.
Recommended restaurants: here are some restaurant recommendations from my Instagram followers. One tip: book in advance for safety!
And if you want to see the highlight stories of my trip to Malta or the summary video of this itinerary, remember to follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelaisai and have a great trip! 🙂
