Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by
Planning to do a trip to Malta soon? Here is the perfect Malta 6 days itinerary! This includes the top sights in Malta, where to eat, and a walkable map!
Malta is a country rich of a still tangible history. Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, British and French walked the Maltese streets along the centuries shaping the the nation as it we know it today. Its proximity to Sicily and Tunisia make the country one of the most diverse and multicultural places in Europe. It is not a coincidence that Valletta won the title of European Capital of Culture 2018.
Table of Contents
What you need to know before visiting Malta.
How to reach Malta
Reaching Malta from Europe is very simple and cheap. The Luqa Airport (the main hub connecting Malta to the world) operates daily flights in great part of the European countries. The main low-cost airlines operating are Ryanair, Easyjet, Airmalta and Jet2. We personally flew from the UK (East Midlands) with Ryanair and went back via Sicily with Air Malta paying no more than £150 for two people.
Getting around Malta
Going around Malta can be challenging. In fact, Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Therefore, is quite crowded! This means that if you rent a car, you can remain stuck in the traffic for hours and be at the mercy of the undisciplined Maltese drivers beeping at you like in the most known streets of Mumbai. Using the public transport remain the cheapest and safe option if you are not into driving and want to save money.
If you choose to go around by bus, the best option is to buy a Tallnja Card. This grants you unlimited travels for 7 Days. You can order this online or buy it from one of the self-service machines at the airport. Buses connect Valletta to most areas of Malta. They are quite frequent, but in summer they might be busy with the risk of leaving you literally out of the door.
What language is spoken in Malta?
The main language spoken is Maltese. However, great part of the population understand also English, and sometimes Italian, especially in the most touristic areas. The Maltese language is very fascinating to hear. In fact, being a Semitic language, it originates from a mix of Italian, Spanish and Arabic words often recognisable from their sound or written appearance. After a while, listening at the conversations of local people on the bus, I recognised some familiar words in Italian mixed with some other unknown languages.
What kind of weather is in Malta?
Weather is typical Mediterranean. This means that is usually warm and pretty all year long. However, in summer season, temperatures reach their highest level ranging around 35-42 degrees. Therefore, bring always a solar protection and stay hydrated. The best period to visit (if you are not going for a beach vacation) is usually March to June.
What is the cuisine like in Malta?
Maltese food is delicious. The cuisine is typical Mediterranean with some Tunisian influences. My preferred dishes were Pastizzi and Ħobż Malti. The Maltese National dish is the Stuffatt Tal-Fenek. This is rabbit stewed with homegrown vegetables and herbs.
Maltese culture
Maltese people are very religious. There are more than 350 churches around the island attended by great part of the population. Furthermore, each village has its religious patron. This is celebrated on specific days with fireworks, procession, music and dances. In occasion of the celebrations, entire roads are “dressed-up” with the best ornamental decorations dedicated to the saint. During summer, it’s practically impossible to avoid the festa as most of the patrons’ celebrations happens during the peak touristic period. One of the best festa I’ve attended was the one of St. Lawrence in Birgu.
How long time should I spend in Malta?
One of the most asked questions I receive usually is “can I manage to see everything in a week?” ” A Malta six days itinerary is enough to see the highlights of the island?”. Theoretically yes. Practically no. In fact, Malta is a small island but not as small as Santorini or any other place, you can simply go around with a rented scooter in a summer vacation.
Define your Malta itinerary
Indeed, despite being geographically “small”, most roads are crowded and bumpy. Therefore, some distances from place to place are quite extensive to cover with a scooter. Indeed, before going on adventure, you might want to consider what your priorities are. Are you going for the beaches? For the Megalithic temples? For city sightseeing? Stick around your priorities and you will manage to see what you want in 6 days. This Malta six days itinerary will help you with your plan!
Personally, I wanted to visit a bit of beaches and cities. Therefore, I’ve created an itinerary allowing me to have the best of both in my week. If you have no idea where to go and want to stay under the sun but enjoy also a bit of the best Maltese cultural life, this is the perfect Malta six days itinerary!
Malta 6 days itinerary – best locations clickable map
In the map below, you can find the best locations you will visit on a 6 days Malta itinerary.
Malta Illustrated map
This map below will visually show you were you will go on this six-days itinerary of Malta! I’ve created the map by myself using my own photos for the icons so you won’t find any other map like this around.
Malta 6 days itinerary
Day 1 – Embrace Valletta
Whether you arrive at morning or early afternoon (like in our case), the first thing I suggest you is to embrace your new destination without hurry. When I explore a new place, I always take some time to wander around with nothing in mind. In effect, this helps me to create a connection with the new place and find hidden corners out of my itinerary.
Relax in Valletta
On your first day in Valletta, take an ice cream, do shopping on Triq-ir-Republica, watch the sunset from the amazing Barakka Gardens. This is a Malta six days itinerary so you will have plenty of time to visit the city’s main attractions on a specific day. Therefore enjoy the city without rushing! On our first day in Valletta, we spent the afternoon soaking in the roof pool of our hotel, exploring some hidden streets and alleys, watching the sunset at the Upper Barakka Gardens, dining with a pizza far from the main crowded streets and looking at the fireworks from the Grand Harbour.
Where to stay in Valletta
For our stay in Valletta we chose Palais le Brun. This is a lovely hotel boutique with a marvellous view of the Valletta landscape. Palais le Brun is an authentic sixteenth-century Baroque building that belonged to the Knight Claude LeBrun. Le Brun family was famous for silverware and mint coinage. In 2018, the palace was converted into a luxury hotel.
Day 2 – Relaxing at the Café del Mar
If you had a long and stressing winter full of deadlines and meetings, you know you need a break. This was our priority after months of non-stop working. In addition, on our second of this Malta six days itinerary, we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. This meant relax all-day-long! We wanted to go to the beach, but considering it was high season, we did not want to get stressed with the crowd. Therefore, we opted for renting a space at Café del Mar.
Cafe del Mar – All you need to know
Café del Mar is one of the most famous Maltese Beach Clubs adjacent to the clear waters of St. Paul’s Bay. The unique infinity pool is literally built at the level of the sea for giving you the best panoramic view.
Reaching Café del Mar with the bus is very easy. There is a specific bus line connecting Velletta to St.Paul’s Bay that will not take more than 40 mins. Unfortunately, accessing this beach club is not free and, compared to other places, a bit pricey. However, you will the best view and a full day of relax by the pool in company of good music and the sound of the sea will worth the money paid!
Cafe del Mar practical information
To access the pool you have to rent a sun bed in one of the areas of the beach club. During high season, prices for a sunbed range from €20 to €120 per person. I warmly suggest you to book in advance as the spaces are filled very quickly. You can also pop in on the day but you should go at opening time and hope that some free sun beds are still available. Food is not included in the price. However, there is a good restaurant inside the club serving the best Maltese dishes.
Our relaxing day at the Café del Mar passed very quickly. I’m still dreaming of being by the pool now! We ended this second day in Malta with a reserved table at the Panorama Restaurant for our anniversary dinner. The dinner was amazing! We were welcomed with some typical Maltese bread and some chef specialities. Pointless is to say that the location setting is very romantic! In fact, most tables disposed on the balconies to have the best view on Valletta’s Grand Harbour. We were also lucky enough to assist the fireworks from our table!
Day 3 – Explore Valletta, Floriana and Birgu
Valletta, Birgu and Floriana are three unmissable places on your Malta six days itinerary. They are full of historical sights, places where to eat and amazing photographic spots!
Valletta
Valletta is a city that has so much to offer! You can easily stay one week and find always things to do! Malta’s capital is very easy to detour. In fact, the most important attractions are all around the city centre. Love photography? Try to hit all the Valletta most photogenic spots!
The best places to visit in Valletta are:
- The St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- The Granmaster’s Palace and Armoury
- The Upper and Lower Barakka Gardens
- Fort St. Elmo
- Casa Rocca Piccola
- Manoel Theatre
This below is a short-walk map of Valletta you can use for an half a day itinerary in the city.
Start early. Possibly from the places becoming overcrowded at peak times like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral or the Grand Master’s Palace. The Armoury of the Grand Master’s palace is already open at 9.30 am. An early morning visit will grant you a bit of relax far from the later crowd. Moreover you will have all the best photo spots for you! Don’t forget to bring some water with you and something to cover your head in the warmest days. You will walk a lot under the sun, especially in summer! Take a recharging break every couple of hours. A perfect spot where to relax with a fresh drink is Castille Place.
Where to eat in Valletta
Choosing a place where to have lunch in Valletta is not difficult. Every corner has some nice places where to rest in company of good food. However, if you want to save a bit of money but still want to have a great Maltese typical lunch, I warmly recommend you The Museum Café. This little café is located in Melita Street and serves probably the best ftira you can find in the city.
The place is usually full with locals, which I always intend as a sign of quality/non touristic food. The only issue with this place is that it is small, very small. So small that there are no more than 6 tables inside and people queue outside to taste one of their delicious dishes. There is no booking system and you have to count on luck to dine there or have the patience to wait for a free table! We were quite lucky to find a space immediately but, after that, no more tables were available for the next 30 mins! So good luck!
Floriana
If you are up to walk a little bit more after your Valletta tour, Floriana is the perfect place to explore and fits perfectly with this Malta six days itinerary. You can find Floriana at less than 1km from the main gate of Valletta. From your first step, you will notice immediately that Floriana is an incredible hidden gem! Many tourists don’t even know they are walking in a different city because Floriana appear as a natural periphery of Valletta.
In effect, Floriana is born as protective area for Valletta in 1636. Later it became quickly an independent city. Its original name is Borgo Vilhena but the current name Floriana comes from the military engineer who designed its line of fortification, Pietro Paolo Floriani. The best sights in Floriana are the St. Publius Church (pictured above), the Robert Samut Hall and the Argotti Botanical Gardens.
The Robert Samut Hall
The Robert Samut Hall is a beautiful Neo-Gothic building situated near the Botanical Gardens. It dates back to 1881/83 and known as Floriana Wesleyan Methodist Church. It was the first building in Malta having electricity. Moreover, it served as a repair for the British Soldier during WWII. Now is a centre for cultural activities.
Argotti Botanical Gardens
If you would enjoy an afternoon walk far from the Malta touristic areas, the Argotti Botanical Gardens are the perfect spot. These gardens date back in 1774 and belonged originally to Pinto de Fonseca. The garden’s original purpose was that of the study of medical plants. They became a botanical garden only in 1805. Tip: The Argotti gardens are free to visit and probably one of the best places where to enjoy the view of the Floriana’s bastions (picture below).
Birgu
The last stop of the day for this Malta six days itinerary, is the small city of Birgu. Birgu is famous to be one of the Three Cities of Malta, together with Cospicua and Senglea. The city is called also with the name of Vittoriosa and exists since the medieval period.
History of Birgu
When the Order of St. John arrived in Malta in 1530, Birgu was fortified and named as capital of the island until 1571. The name of Città Vittoriosa came after the withstanding of the city against the Ottoman attacks in 1565. This historical event is famous with the name Great Siege of Malta. Unfortunately, during WWII, Birgu lost part of its historical heritage sites because of the heavily bombing. Despite this, Birgu has still many points of interest and beautiful cobbled streets where to get lost. A major attraction is surely the medieval Fort St. Angelo. This is the only place in Malta hosting the current branch of the Knights of Malta. The Knights are now known with the name Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
If you are visiting during the first ten days of August, don’t miss the celebrations known as festa for the Saint Patron, St. Lawrence. This is an unmissable opportunity to admire in person one of the most important Maltese traditions and enjoy the festive and joyful spirit pervading the city in all its beautiful ornate streets.
Day 4 – St. Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk and Mdina
On day 4 four of this Malta six days itinerary you will visit the mind-blowing St. Peter’s Pool, the photogenic village Masaxlokk and the beautiful Mdina.
St. Peter’s Pool
After three full days of cultural immersion, we felt it was the moment of going to the beach. As we knew in advance that beaches in August would be pretty crowded. We opted for a place a bit difficult to reach but allowing us a perfect swim. For this reason we chose St. Peter’s Pool.
St. Peter’s pool is natural swimming pool is located at the tip of the Delimara point near the village Marsaxlokk. If you are using the public transport and you are not into walking under the sun, please consider to go on another location. In fact, the St. Peter’s Pool isn’t the easiest place to find.
How to reach St. Peter’s Pool
To reach St. Peter’s pool before the crowd arrives, (usually around 12/13 pm), you’ll have to catch the first bus at early morning from Valletta central bus station. You can choose between the bus 81 going to Marsaxlokk or the bus 119 going to the Airport (last stop Delimara). Beware that these buses will not leave you at the precise location of the pool! The last stop can be either Delimara or Marsaxlokk. From there, you have to walk about 35 minutes to reach your destination.
Useless is saying that in August walking 35 mins under the Maltese sun is not one of the best of the things to do. We did it anyway, but if you are not used to the high temperatures, choose wisely. Furthermore, St. Peter’s Pool is mainly known for cliff jumping, because the water is very deep and clean. There is a little staircase leading you to the water if you don’t want to jump. However, if you can’t swim I would not recommend it because the water is already deep near it!
From St. Peter’s Pool the next stop is the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
Marsaxlokk
After our morning at St. Peter’s Pool, we walked another 40 minutes to reach the village of Marsaxlokk. I know, this is crazy to hear because it was 12 pm of a very sunny August day. However, there was only one bus going to Marsaxlokk and we thought that walking would it be better than waiting under the sun for an indefinite amount of time. And in Malta waiting for ages the bus it’s very likely.
The port of the South East
Before going to Malta, I’ve read a lot about the beauty of Marsaxlokk and I was really looking forward to visit! The village is seriously one of the most colourful places in Malta! Moreover, all the things I’ve read about its beauty are completely true. The name Marsaxlokk means “port of the south east”. With the word south east people of Malta means the wind coming from the Sahara, Scirocc, which in Maltese is pronounced as “xlokk”.
The current village developed around 18/19 centuries. Although, a pre-existent site suggests there was a former inhabited location, probably known with a different name. Apart from its beautiful colours, Marsaxlokk is famous for the Sunday Fish Market. This is considered by Maltese one of their best attractions in the island. For this reason, it’s very frequented by tourists. To return in Valletta from Marsaxlokk, (if you are not by car), you have to catch the bus 81 or 85 from the main terminal (just a street behind the main photogenic road). The journey will take about 45 minutes.
Mdina
Because I am a medieval historian, Mdina was my dream place: old, surrounded by walls and full of ghostly stories. Plus, and this is the jolly attiring every historian on the planet, it’s a ghost town! Yes! The last census of the population, dating back to 2016, reports that Mdina is inhabited by just 229 people. Therefore, is not a case the city is called The Silent City.
The Silent City
Nevertheless, Mdina has seen past golden days having been the former administrative and cultural centre of Malta until the 16th century. Its slow decline happened after the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530. During that period the capital of Malta moved to Birgu (and then Valletta). From that moment onward, Mdina’s popularity decreased and from most famous stronghold of the country, it slowly became a ghost town.
However, being virtually a “ghost town” doesn’t mean the city is completely abandoned. On the contrary, Mdina is now living a new renaissance! In fact, the city is visited all-day-long by tourists curious of exploring this still fascinating medieval Roquefort. Moreover, the city is famous for being one of the sets of Game of Thrones, which increased its popularity during the most recent years.
Where to eat in Mdina
Mdina is a city where you have to get lost! However, for making your experience even more memorable, you can finish your day with a dinner in the medieval walls of the city. In fact, the city is located in one of the highest point of Malta. The still strong medieval walls surrounding the city offers one of the best views of the country. The Xpresso Café and Bistro situated inside the freshly renovated Palazzo de Piro (part of the famous Xara Palace) is one of the best places where to enjoy your medieval-walls dinner. The Strozzapreti with Truffle-Beef Ragout were honestly one of the best pasta I’ve tasted in Malta!!
Day 5 – The Blue Grotto and Popeye Village
If you have a car, organising the trip between these two places it will be much easier but by bus, believe me, it was a bit of a nightmare. This because the Blue Grotto and Popeye Village are situated in a opposite position. Furthermore, because the bus system is well-organised and this does not make your tourist life easier. I’m not sure how many bus changes we did, but be prepared to take 6/7 buses.
The reason why I combined these places together, is because we didn’t want to spend all day at the Popeye Village and you can’t swim in the Blue Grotto, unless you rent a private boat and do this far from the coast.
Blue Grotto
As opposite to what is believed, the Blue Grotto is not a single cave. Conversely it is an extensive system of caves along the Southeast coast of Malta. The main complex includes a massive 30 mt archway visible only from the water or from a specific view point. You can find this in the opposite side of the departures lodge.
There isn’t more appropriate name for this place, giving that the colour of the water is blue crystalline. In fact, in certain points the water is so clear that you can see the bottom even at distance. Furthermore, in certain areas, the minerals of the rocks contributed to give the water a sort of blue fluorescence.
Blue grotto rules
As you can imagine, swimming is forbidden. This measure is on for several reasons. The first, is related to the protection of the natural area and its marine life. The second, is to protect tourists. In fact, the only way to reach the grottoes is via sea. Because there is a regular movement of boats crossing the shores, this may put tourists in danger of being hit by a boat.
Blue Grotto practical information
The most convenient and cheap way to visit all the 7 main caves, is to go with one of the local organised tours. Official tours are performed by Maltese captains aboard of their traditional fishing boat “luzzu”. These cost 8 EUR and last for about 20 minutes. You don’t need to purchase this tour in advance. In fact, tickets are sold near the harbour in a official kiosk. During summer months, this is a very popular activity so expect long queues under the sun! We did enjoy the tour, but I have to say that 20 minutes is a short time for someone who want to shoot decent pictures. In fact, this is a non-stop trip. Therefore, it means that you have to catch the moment if you want a good shot.
Popeye Village
Reaching the Popeye Village from the Blue Grotto it was slightly an odyssey because we changed so many buses that I’ve lost the count! We did stop also at the Airport! Furthermore, there should be a “ghost bus”, the 101, which is supposed to leave you in front of the Popeye village from Gadhira Bay. However, we waited for it for more than one hour (yes 1h!!) and it never came so, to avoid dying under the 13.30 pm Maltese sun, we took a taxi costing us around 7 EUR. Well done Malta Public Transport!
Popeye Village practical information
Popeye Village is an unmissable sight on your Malta six days itinerary. This is an abandoned Paramount/Disney movie set that is now converted into an open-air museum and fun park. The set was used to film the musical “Popeye” starring Robin Williams in 1979. To have access to the village, you have to pay a ticket of EUR 17. This ticket will include any of the services/activities of the village. These are, for example: cinema, museum, swimming pool, water games, a boat ride of 20 minutes around Anchor Bay, a shot of Sangria served at the bar and a free postcard at the souvenir shop.
Is Popeye Village worth a visit?
If you are wondering if the place is worth the price, well it depends. If you are a family with kids and want to spend a full day out in a nice location, this is well worthy. Kids will have definitely so much fun and you can relax under the Maltese sun. For couples or other type of visitors in general, it might offer a valid alternative to the overcrowded Maltese beaches.
Our time there was pleasant but, for us, it was more than enough to stay one afternoon. If you feel that 17 EUR for a museum/fun park is too much for just an afternoon, you can always overlook the village from the cliffs of Anchor Bay. To reach this point, you have just to pass the village main entrance and continue on the main road. You will see a space where is possible to seat and take pictures. Some people try also to descend the cliff but I wouldn’t recommend it. The rock looks very crumbling.
Day 6 – Gozo and Comino Cruise plus St. Julian’s
For the last day of this Malta six days itinerary, you can explore the islands of Gozo and Comino.
Our bad experience with a cruise!
For the sake of honesty, I have to say that we were quite unsatisfied with our day spent in Gozo and Comino.
Not for the islands that are incredibly beautiful, but for the cruise itself. In fact, this was overpriced, badly organised, overcrowded and fraudulent. The idea of a cruise was very last moment because we wanted to visit both islands but being without a car did not help. Moreover, reaching the islands with the public transport meant loosing a half day just to reach the port for going to Comino!
Therefore, the cruise was the most convenient way of visiting the best of the two islands in a “short” amount of time. WRONG. If you want to see what YOU REALLY WANT TO SEE, the only option is rent a car and take the main ferry by your own.
Why not to go with a cruise
I can’t say all the cruises company are bad, but the one we chose because of the convention with our Malta Card it is and, unfortunately, is probably the most known cruise company of the island (watch out for the name, if you see it everywhere, that’s it!). Our day trip to Gozo (with a couple of hours in the Blue Lagoon in Comino) was actually a half day in a food factory, 1 hour in Gozo and 30 minutes in Comino. SHAME!
I am totally fine in visiting food factories, but only if I have a couple of days to spend in a place, not just a couple of hours! Anyway, I already reported them to TripAdvisor and also to their directory board, but if you need more details, please contact me and I will be happy to help!
Gozo
In the very small amount of time we visited Gozo, we were able to visit Rabat (now Victoria), which is the capital of the island. The oldest part of the city is the fortified area called The Citadel. This area was initially an acropolis converted into a castle during the medieval period.
The Citadel, and its majestic walls, stood numerous attacks, including the ones arrived during the Great Siege of Malta. I think it’s incredible that we can still walk around the oldest of its walls built in 1500.
What to see in Victoria
The bastions are probably the best place where to admire a breathtaking view of the city. However, I had the impression that Gozo has many panoramic view points offering great photographic opportunities and incredible landscapes. I have to say that, the Citadel reminded me a bit of Mdina, with its cobbled alleys and warm colours. I really wanted to spend more time visiting it and I already promised myself that I will do another trip with this purpose.
In any case, a sight I would not miss a visit to the Cathedral of the Assumption. You can find it immediately after the main entrance of the Citadel. This wasbuilt on a pre-existent thirteenth-century church.
Top Sights in Gozo
Other top sights in Gozo are:
- The Azure Window location (this famous natural attraction has been destroyed recently but the site is still visitable)
- Xlendi Bay
- Ta’ Kola Windmill
- Salt Pans
- Dwejra Bay and Tower
- Rotunda of Xewkija
- Calipso Cave
- Wied il-Għasri
Comino
A Malta six days itinerary couldn’t be complete without a visit to the beautiful Comino!
Comino’s heritage
The small island of Comino take its name from the flourishing of cumin seeds all across the territory. However, the former name of the island was Ephaestia. This name links to the past Greek heritage of Malta. There are only three residents in Comino, who are under the administration of the main island of Gozo. During the time, Comino has been sparsely inhabited and used as leisure “playground” by the Knights of Malta. The island is now known for its beautiful crystalline waters, caves and bird sanctuaries.
What to do in Comino
Comino is the most ideal place for diving or snorkelling and offers also great possibilities for camping and hiking. The most known place is the Blue Lagoon. This little slice of paradise became very popular during the most recent years for its shallow azure waters.
You can find the Blue Lagoon on the west coast of the island. Because Comino is car-free, the lagoon is reachable only by walking, by ferry or cruise. We spent a really short time in the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately, when we arrived it was already fully packed with people. I guess the best thing to do is going as early as possible to avoid the massive crowd and numerous boats. In a future visit, I would probably go camping to be the first one waking up on this beautiful slice of paradise!
St. Julian’s
The last place we visited on our Malta six days itinerary was the small city of St. Julian.
You can find this town on the north coast of Malta. St. Julian’s is famous for its fervid nightlife. I have to say we are not great fans of clubs and casinos. For this reason, we avoided at all cost the area of Paceville. This area is the one the major number of nightclubs, restaurants and casinos of Malta.
Where to eat in St. Julian – Spinola Bay
Instead, we preferred to have a lovely walk and dinner at Spinola Bay.
Spinola Bay hosts several restaurants but is definitely less chaotic than Paceville. Because I love so much to dine with a view, for our dinner we chose the restaurant Peppino’s, located just in front of the main bay. This restaurant serves the best Maltese traditional dishes. Moreover, the fact that is based on a multilevel building, gives you also the possibility of dining in one of the balconies looking at the Spinola Bay.
I warmly suggest you to book in advance. In fact, during peak season, the restaurant fills very quickly. Unfortunately, there isn’t a website where you can book your table but you can call on the number you’ll find on Google. We booked our table in the morning (for the night) and we got a nice table with a view!
Plan your visit
If you want some additional inspiration for your trip to Malta, read the articles below.
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