Welcome to the enchanting island of Malta, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a truly unforgettable experience. If you find yourself with just 3 days to explore this gem in the Mediterranean, worry not! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through a carefully curated itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time on this truly stunning island.
Day 1: Exploring Valletta
Our journey begins in the capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Start your day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of this ancient city and admire the grandiose Baroque buildings and charming cafes on either side. The center of Valletta is the best place to admire one of Malta’s most famous landmarks – the Maltese balcony or the Gallarija, as it is officially called.
Hint: The Grandmaster’s Palace features the longest and grandest of these balconies so it might be worth a stop.
After a stroll through the city I recommend a visit to the iconic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio and other renowned artists. The church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 till 16:45 (closed on Sundays and public holidays) and the entrance fee costs 15€ (12€ for students and seniors, children under 12 free of charge).
Next, make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour—a perfect spot for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Make sure you arrive at the gardens at least 15 minutes before noon to catch the firing of the saluting battery at 12:00 sharp. Afterward, delve into Malta’s military history with a visit to the Lascaris War Rooms, where you can uncover the island’s role during World War II.
For lunch, head to one of Valletta’s quaint eateries and indulge in traditional Maltese cuisine, such as rabbit stew or pastizzi, savory pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.
In the afternoon, I recommend booking a guided 2-hour harbour cruise. Not only will you be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Valletta and the neighbouring Three Cities from the sea at sunset (the best view in my humble opinion), you will also discover a ton about the city’s rich history from 16th century onwards when the Order of Saint John first inhabited the peninsula.
As the day draws to a close, savor a delicious dinner at one of Valletta’s charming restaurants, where you can enjoy local delicacies while soaking in the city’s timeless atmosphere.
Day 2: Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli cliffs
On day two it’s time to venture out of the capital and embark on a journey to the ancient fortified city of Mdina, also known as the “Silent City”. The best way to travel to Mdina is by public transport. There are a bunch of buses that head towards the direction of Mdina every hour, I recommend taking either the Rabat routes (50 and 53) or Dingli routes (52 and 56). You can find the timetables of all routes here.
After a 30 minute scenic drive through the island, you will arrive at the imposing Mdina Gate. Make sure to take some time to explore the city’s narrow streets, medieval architecture, and historic landmarks, including the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. I recommend stopping at the shops of local artisans for hand-made souvenirs and don’t forget to stop by Fontanella Tea Garden for a slice of their famous chocolate cake and breathtaking views of the island.
After lunch, make your way to the neighbouring city of Rabat for a visit to St. Paul’s catacombs. Serving as a burial ground from Punic, Roman and Byzantine times the St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. The catacombs form a typical complex of interconnected underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 7th century AD and cover an area over 2000 m2. The catacombs are open every day from March to December from 10:00 till 18:00 and the entrance fee costs 6€.
After an afternoon in the catacombs take the bus 201 and head over to the village of Dingli on the far western side of the island. Make your way to the towering Dingli cliffs where you will be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and argueably the best sunset spot in all of Malta. There are not many restaurants in this part of Malta so I recommend you bring some food with you and enjoy a sunset picnic on one of the Dingli cliff’s benches. Make sure you arrive early to ensure the best spots are still free and remember to bring a jacket as it can get windy.
After a romantic sunset take the bus 201 back to Rabat and then change to one of the many buses that head back to Valletta.
Day 3: Discovering Gozo and Comino
On your last day it’s time to venture beyond the shores of Malta to explore its sister islands, Gozo and Comino. Begin your day with a scenic ferry ride to Gozo, where you’ll be greeted by idyllic countryside, quaint villages, and stunning coastal scenery.
Start your Gozo adventure with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples, believed to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Marvel at the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the island’s Neolithic history.
Next, head to the picturesque village of Xlendi for a relaxing lunch by the sea. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes while taking in the tranquil surroundings of this charming fishing village.
After lunch, make your way back to the harbour of Mgarr and hop on a boat to the nearby island of Comino, famous for its crystal-clear waters and the iconic Blue Lagoon. Spend the rest of the day swimming, snorkeling, and basking in the Mediterranean sun before returning to Malta in the evening.
For dinner, you can either stay in Valletta or, if you are in the mood for a party, head over across the harbour to Sliema and St. Julian’s, both known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere.
With just 72 hours to spare, you’ve experienced the best that Malta has to offer—from its ancient history and cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, relaxing on idyllic beaches, or immersing yourself in the local cuisine, Malta’s charm is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, follow this essential itinerary guide, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean.
