Malta might just be one of the best sunny escapes in Europe! With its stunning coastlines, rich history, and budget-friendly reputation, it’s the perfect getaway for a long weekend. To top it off, even with just 3 days in Malta, the island is small enough that you can easily see the highlights without feeling rushed.
And I’m going to show you how to do it!
After my own visit to Malta, I found some attractions and activities weren’t worth the hype. So, I structured this 3-day itinerary to feature my top recommendations and must-visits. This 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time so you can spend more time enjoying and less time on logistics.
Be aware that travel time is not factored into this itinerary. To make the most out of your visit, I’d recommend arriving in the evening before, so you can have a full 3 days in Malta. To give you an idea, our flight from Paris took about 4 hours, so plan accordingly based on your departure city.
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3 Days in Malta Itinerary Overview:
- ✈️ Arriving in Malta
- 💎 Day 1: Uncover historical gems in Valletta
- 🏝️ Day 2: Visit some of the other islands
- 🍽️ Day 3: Get a closer glimpse into Maltese culture
- 💡 Tips for spending 3 days in Malta
TL;DR – Quick Tips for First Time Visitors:
🏨 Stay in Valletta for quick visits or Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa for longer stays
🚗 Rent a car to get around the island affordably and efficiently
✨ DON’T MISS renting a quad bike in Gozo, Mdina the Silent City, Valletta the capital, and riding the traditional gondola boats to Birgu
🩺 Travel anxious-free by getting travel medical insurance
🗺️ Short on time? Don’t waste your time and skip these activities
💰 Use this budget-breakdown to give you an idea of prices in Malta
Arriving in Malta
Getting to Malta
✈️ Arriving by plane: Since Malta is an island, flying is the most common way to arrive. From Malta International Airport, you can either drive, take the bus, arrange a transfer with your hotel, or take a taxi.
By rental car, it is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport to Valletta. You can pre-arrange a taxi with Kiwitaxi to avoid any hassle and stress at the airport. Taking the bus is the cheapest option, more on that below!
PRO TIP: In Malta, they drive on the left side of the road, so if you are bringing your car or renting a car, make sure you are familiar with the road rules!
🚌 Taking the bus to Valletta from the airport: If you are not opting for a car rental, taking the bus is the cheapest option. Buses in Malta cost 2 euros per person (which you pay to the driver when you board), and the journey to Valletta will take roughly 30 minutes.
To get to the bus station at the airport, leave the arrivals terminal, and the bus terminal will be on your right. You want to take the X4 bus, which terminates in Valletta. You can find everything you need to know about the bus routes in Malta on the Malta Public Transport website.
🚢 Arriving by ferry: Alternatively, you can also travel to Malta by ferry. They run only from Italy from Genoa, Sicily, or Salerno arriving in either Gozo or Valletta. The trip will take approximately 5 hours, depending on where you are departing from.
This option might be appealing if you are arriving from Italy, or want to visit Malta with your own car. You can learn more about the different ferry options to Malta on the Direct Ferries website.
Where to stay in Malta
For a quick visit, I’d recommend staying closer to Valletta to maximize your time. When we stayed in Malta, we stayed in the north of the island at the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa. However, most of our favorite places were actually further south.
In the interest of optimizing your time, I’d recommend looking for accommodations in Valletta, the capital city. You’ll save time travelling between attractions, have easy access to bus routes and ferries, and have plenty of options for restaurants and nightlife!
However, if you prefer a resort-style experience away from the city, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa is a great option for a longer, more relaxed stay.
Day 1: Uncover Historical Gems in Valletta
Morning: Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Kickstart your 3-days in Malta with a visit to one of the island’s most iconic historic landmarks. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is absolutely stunning from top to bottom! This masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with intricate details everywhere you look, is one of the best places to learn more about the city’s history.
If you’ve never heard of the Knights of Malta, you’re about to! The Order of St. John is a Catholic religious order that has been around since the 1050s! While touring this Cathedral you’ll learn about their role in Malta’s rather bloody history. I personally didn’t think that heading into a Cathedral I would be learning about Malta’s fortresses, Crusades, pirates, and knights – it’s really quite fascinating and was one of my favorite spots in Malta.
📆 Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 4:45 pm
💰 Entrance fee: €15 per adult and €20 for a guided tour
⏰ Time needed: Plan to spend about an hour exploring
🚨 Tip: Even in off-season (like November), expect some crowds—arrive early if possible!
Lunch: Indulge in Maltese-Italian cuisine
Given Malta’s historical ties with Italy, Maltese cuisine shares a remarkable resemblance to Italian cuisine – you’ll find plenty of delicious pasta and pizza here.
For lunch, head to San Paolo Naufrago in one of Valletta’s most charming and lively neighbourhoods. This spot is not only popular for its great atmosphere and hanging lights but also happens to be one of the most photographed locations in the city. The pasta here was the best I had during our entire trip and it was a great place to sit down and enjoy the vibe!
Afternoon: Explore more of Valletta
Admire the view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
To get jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city and the Grand Harbour, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. I personally believe your 3 days in Malta would not be complete without a visit to these gardens. This peaceful oasis features fountains, lush gardens, and a spectacular view.
If you happen to be visiting around 12 pm or 4 pm, these gardens might begin to feel a bit less peaceful. Every day at these times, an official ceremony takes place to fire the resorted cannons. Even if you’re not here during the ceremony, I’m sure you will be able to hear it!
Take a traditional taxi to Birgu
I highly recommend riding the traditional boats, called Dgħajsa, if you plan on visiting one of the other cities around Valletta. These gondola-style boats have been in use since the 17th century. You can find the traditional boats at the Valletta Waterfront just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which you can easily access using the Upper Barrakka Lift.
You might have heard the term ‘the 3 cities’ when researching for your trip to Malta. This refers to some of the other important cities across the bay from Valletta. These cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, are more authentic and less touristy compared to the hustle and bustle of Valletta.
We chose to visit Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu). The ride took no longer than 10 minutes, and it only cost us 2 euros per adult (you pay in person, so have cash with you). We spent the afternoon wandering the quiet streets and admiring the authentic Maltese way of life. You don’t need to spend too much time here, there aren’t necessarily many tourist attractions, but it is a place we enjoyed!
Visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens
End your afternoon with a visit to the Lower Barrakka Gardens back in Valletta. These gardens offer a similar slice of paradise as the Upper Gardens, with full gardens, fountains, and beautiful views. Even though the views are not quite as panoramic as their twin, you should definitely still pay a visit! Personally, I was mostly surprised by the number of flowers still in bloom even when we visited in November!
Evening: Wander around and explore
Whether it’s day or night, simply allowing time in your itinerary to wander around and explore Valletta is an absolute must.
You’ll get to admire the famous colorful balconies, stumble across some British symbols (think mailboxes and phone booths), and you’ll most likely fall in love with the city’s streets!
We found Valletta to be very safe and clean, and we just loved the warm colors of the buildings. It is a hilly city, so do expect some climbing from time to time. Of course, the perks of walking around at night also mean you get to witness the city lit up in all its glory!
Dinner: Dine in one of the best restaurants in Valletta
End your day with dinner at Beati Paoli, one of the highest-rated restaurants in Valletta. Known for its classic Maltese dishes, you can try the traditional rabbit dish (what I went for), local fish, or some typical desserts.
The food was incredible, the staff was super friendly, and the price was super reasonable, considering it had a more fancy vibe!
To keep in mind: we arrived right when the restaurant was opening for dinner and grabbed their only walk-in table. I’d recommend making a reservation or doing the same if you want to eat here!
MORE TIME IN VALLETTA? Check out Plan For Me Dani’s 48 hours in Valletta itinerary for more ideas and day trips!
Day 2: Visit some of the other islands
Visit to Gozo
Gozo was easily my favorite part of our 3 days in Malta! As the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo has a completely different vibe from the main island. It’s noticeably less touristy, much more laid-back, and offers lush landscapes that contrast with Malta’s more arid terrain. If you’re looking for a slower pace and breathtaking scenery, Gozo is a must-visit.
Top places to see in Gozo
✔ Ramla Red Beach – Known for its striking reddish-orange sand, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta.
✔ Tal-Mixta Cave – A fantastic viewpoint overlooking Ramla Bay – one of the most stunning panoramic views on the island (pictured above!).
✔ Salt Flats – These historic salt pans have been used for salt production for centuries and make for an interesting (and photogenic) stop.
✔ Victoria Citadel – The heart of Gozo, this fortified city is packed with history and offers views of the entire island.
PRO TIP: Save 10% on your first booking for first-time downloads and bookings on the GetYourGuide app using the code “czphoneshome10” !
⏰ Time Needed: We spent the entire day leisurely exploring at our own pace, but if you’re short on time, you could squeeze the highlights into a half-day trip.
⛴️ Getting There: Ferries run from Valletta and from Ċirkewwa in northern Malta. We took the Gozo Channel Ferry from the north, which cost just €4.65 round trip. You only pay on the return trip from Gozo.
🏍️ Top Tip: Renting a quad bike was the most thrilling way to see Gozo! It gave us the flexibility to explore hidden gems and remote beaches at our own pace.
Day trip to Comino
Although the smallest of the three Maltese islands, Comino has some of the most stunning, bluest waters in the country. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a full day, it’s the perfect place to have a beach day and soak in the vibrant turquoise waters and rugged coastal landscapes.
Top spots in Comino
✔ Blue Lagoon – The most famous attraction, featuring unbelievably clear blue water. Expect large crowds, especially in summer!
✔ Crystal Lagoon – A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
✔ Santa Maria Caves – For divers and snorkelers, hidden caves and plenty of marine life.
🌿 Good to Know: Comino is a nature reserve with no cars and only one hotel (which is open seasonally). This means that you’ll have to hike between beaches or opt for a boat tour.
⏳ Hiking: It takes about 4 hours to walk around the entire island.
🤿 Diving & Snorkeling: Malta is one of Europe’s best diving spots, with underwater caves, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life. If you’re not a diver, many boat tours include excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Want to visit both islands?
Exploring both Gozo and Comino independently in a single day is doable, but might feel a bit rushed. You’ll need to coordinate ferry schedules carefully, which could take up valuable exploring time.
The best way to visit both islands in one day without having to stress is to take a tour! These tours take care of the logistics, ensuring you maximize your time at each destination. Check out some Gozo & Comino combo tours below!
Day 3: Get a closer glimpse into Maltese culture
Morning: Cooking Class in Sliema
Start the last of your 3 days in Malta by diving into the local culture with a cooking class! This is something I try to do with every country I visit because I find it is one of the best ways to connect with locals and learn about local foods and traditions.
We booked this 2-hour cooking class on Airbnb Experiences and were taught how to make Pastizzi. This is a classic Maltese pastry with many different filling choices. During your time in Malta, you will see these pastries everywhere!
Fun fact we learned in this cooking class: the different filling options are inspired by the previous rulers of Malta. For instance, the mushy pea filling inspired by Queen Victoria!
I highly recommend spending your morning learning more about Maltese cuisine! This particular class is located in Sliema, on the other side of Valletta, so it’s very easy to squeeze in on your last day.
Afternoon: Visit Game of Thrones locations in Mdina
You can’t visit Malta for 3 days without visiting Mdina. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Malta and a lot of people can agree on that. How do I know this? It’s been used as a backdrop to film several movies and series! Most notably Game of Thrones, Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, and Gladiator were filmed here.
The most well-known Game of Thrones locations in Mdina include the Mdina Gate and Mesquita Square. But walking around, you’ll definitely recognize some other spots!
Wander around the Silent City
Mdina is known as the Silent City of Malta. It used to be the capital of Malta, but when they moved the capital to Valletta, the city more or less became a ghost town explaining its ‘silent’ status!
We spent 2-3 hours wandering around; even though it’s small in size, it definitely should not be skipped!
There are several bus routes that go from Valletta to Mdina, the 51, 52, or 53, just to name a few. I’d suggest checking the bus schedule using the Malta Public Transport website to find the best route for your journey or take a tour to avoid the hassle!
Evening: Enjoy some pizza in a historic square
We dined in Coogi’s pizzeria for one last celebratory pizza. Coogi has both a bistro and a restaurant, but we chose the bistro and pizzeria.
We left very pleasantly full and also got to learn more about Mdina and the restaurant’s history. On the menu, you can learn about the history of the square and its buildings. Starting from the 1600s up until the 1950s, this building has a story to share!
Tips for spending 3 days in Malta
⏰ Is 3 days in Malta enough time? Spending 3 days in Malta is a great way to get yourself familiar with the island. You’ll have time to visit the main spots, enjoy a day trip, and get to know Maltese culture. If you have flexibility in your schedule, 5 days allows you to either see more of the island or travel at a slower pace.
📆 Best time to visit Malta: Malta is in the Mediterranean, so you can expect the climate to be very similar to Italy, or Greece. This also means that the summer months tend to be the hottest time of year and also tend to be the busiest months in Malta. Shoulder season is the ideal time to visit, from May to June or September to October, since crowds will be thinner, prices should be cheaper, and temperatures will be more comfortable!
🚗 How to get around Malta: Although a rental car isn’t a necessity because Malta has a pretty comprehensive bus system, we found having a car incredibly convenient. A journey that would have taken us between 1-2 hours by bus only took us 30 minutes by car. I recommend using rentalcars.com, we have used them for our past few road trips and have found the best deals there! You can read more about the pros and cons of renting a car in Malta here!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Travel & Save Money in Malta: A Helpful Budget Summary
3 days in Malta: Final Thoughts
As I said earlier, this 3 days in Malta itinerary includes the highlights from our week-long trip to Malta. Everything on this list I believe shows the best Malta has to offer, from its history to its natural beauty to its interesting culture. Malta has something for everyone!
Amazing trips can happen in any amount of time we have to work with – we just have to make the most of our time! I hope you now have an idea of all of the exciting things you can experience in 3 days in Malta and that you’re eager to book your trip!
For more tips and advice about visiting Malta, I have put together a FULL budget breakdown guide, to give you an idea of what prices are like in Malta (spoiler: it is a very budget-friendly place!). Also, there were many places in Malta that we enjoyed, but if you are interested in making the most of your time, you can read about some of the activities I thought were skippable.
Need help with your travel planning? If you don’t have the time, or energy to craft the best trip possible, let me help you take some of the weight off! I’ve helped clients plan trips to London, Paris, Normandy, and Italy and they all agree that having someone help you plan and research makes the process so much smoother! Check out my travel planning services on Thatch, I’d love to help you make the most of your trip!
