You want to visit Malta for your next trip? Great choice!
Perched in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the country of Malta is a stunning little archipelago that sits neatly, just south of Sicily and just shy of Tunisia to the north. This nation of islands is one gorgeous place you should visit, especially for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning fishing villages and natural vistas.
Here I share with you our 3 days itinerary in Malta and Gozo island. Actually, I recommend to stay at least 5 days, so you can explore the islands better.
1st day itinerary in Malta
1. Dive into St. Peter’s Pool.
St. Peter’s Pool is a pool-shaped bay on the East coast of Malta, nearby the fisherman’s village of Marsaxlokk. There’s no beach as such, although there’s enough room to spread out your beach towel on the flat rocky surface around the bay.
It’s not a very popular beach, mostly frequented by the locals, and it’s a beautiful alternative to some of the more touristy beaches around. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge in terms of navigation, but if you’re the type who likes to get out of their comfort zone this is a hot tip.
We went there directly from the airport, as soon as picked up our rented car. It take 20 min to reach this place from the airport of Luqa.
2. Explore Valletta, capital city of Malta.
The whole city of Valletta has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status and it’s easy to see why. Once the midday heat subsides, take a walk around the cobbled streets and wander through this architecturally stunning capital that looks like it’s out of a movie set.
3. Visit the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the best places to get a view across the grand natural harbour around this area. As the highest point of the historic walls, you’ll get to peek out across the harbour from a completely different perspective.
4. Dinner in Sliema.
Sliema is a coastal town situated on the northeast of Malta, adjacent to St.Julians. Once the home of Malta’s aristocracy, it has now become a major commercial area, very popular for shopping, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
If you´re staying in Valletta, buses 15 and 21 run from there on a frequent schedule. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry from the Valetta waterfront to Sliema and back, for as little as €1.50 per person (one way – €2.80 with return).
After exploring a little bit of island, it´s time to relax in the pool! We stayed at AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa in St Paul’s Bay, Malta. Nice, modern, self-catering apartments, set in one of the most beautiful bays on the island of Malta.
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2nd day itinerary
Head to Comino and Gozo islands on a day trip. We did this trip with Hornblower cruises http://www.hornblowerboat.com
We´ve opted by excursion Comino Blue Lagoon, Gozo and Caves.
Departing the Bugibba Jetty (which is very close to the hotel we´ve stayed), the cruise goes to the north coast of Malta showing you all the sites, such as: St. Pauls Islands and the statue of St. Pauls, Ahrax Point, entering into Ahrax Cave, the elephants head, entering into Santa Maria cave, Santa Maria bay, St. Nicholas bay and the Comino hotel.
1. Blue Lagoon, Comino island.
The Lagoon’s crystal clear and vibrant waters can easily make any visitor feel like they’ve found paradise. Spending a day floating around in cool azure hues is the epitome of relaxation.
The rest of the bay is rocky: here visitors can sunbathe or jump into the refreshing water. Snorkelling is popular due to the clarity of the water as well as the presence of several caves.
2. Gozo island
Gozo is known for its picturesque scenery, pristine coastline and untouched country trails. Baroque churches rise from the heart of small villages, and traditional farmhouses dot the rural landscape.
Additionally to our booked cruise, for the price of 5€ we´ve booked the mini bus/ coach trip that stops at the main attractions on the island. It will stop you at the Capital city Victoria, Ta’ Pinu church and Dwejra.
The Citadella is for sure the main attraction in Victoria. This fortified city was recently fully renovated, and offers a great 360° view over the surrounding countryside, villages, the sea and up to Malta. The view from the ramparts is really worth it!
There is no entrance fee to the Citadella, and you’ll be able to enjoy its streets freely. In addition, there are several museums inside the Citadella.
Dwejra, where the inland sea is and where the Azure Window used to be (a huge natural arch along the coastline which collapsed during a storm in 2017).
An almost circular lagoon of sea water is formed behind a very high rock formation connected to the Mediterranean sea through an opening at sea level which is wide enough to allow the passage of boats. It was formed through a pattern of geological faulting has by time created a fantastic land forms.
The lagoon water is not so deep but on approaching the tunnel leading to the open Mediterranean sea, the water becomes deeper. On the outside it drops up to 35 meters.
Boat trips are available to go on the outer area of the rocks up to the Fungus rock, the Azur Window and the natural formation of the rocks along the coast.
We returned to the boat at the Mgarr Harbour after the 3 hours on Gozo and continue the cruise back to Malta through the south channel of Comino cruising by: Crystal Lagoon and entering into the caves and passing by St. Mary’s tower.
3rd day itinerary
1. Explore Mdina.
Also known as Malta’s ‘Silent City’, sits atop a hill overseeing many of the neighbouring towns. This small city is fortified and boasts an eclectic mix of medieval and Baroque architecture lining the quaint narrow streets. Here’s our pick of the best things to do when in town.
It´s easy to get there if you have a car. If not, going from Valletta, take buses 50, 51, 52 or 53 (30 minutes, every 10 minutes). Bus 52 goes on to Dingli. Bus 202 travels to/from Sliema (50 minutes, half-hourly) and St Julian’s (one hour), going on to Dingli. The X3 express bus travels between here and BuÄ¡ibba (25 minutes, half-hourly) as well as the airport (55 minutes).
2. Hike the shores of Dingli Cliffs.
One of the highest points on Malta, the Dingli Cliffs are well worth the stroll, especially around sunset. You can literally spend hours walking the shoreline, so take some water, a hikers spirit and plenty of sunblock!
3. Visit Popeye Village.
Popeye Village Malta has grown from its days as a Film Set of the 1980 Musical Production ‘Popeye’ into one of the major tourist attractions on the Maltese Islands. Entrance fee during summer period, about 20€/person, in winter period – 11€.
Hope my recommendations will be helpful on planning your trip to this sunny island.
You´ll enjoy Malta for sure 😉
For more European travel inspo check my posts here:Â https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/europe/
Your sincerely,
Anny