Discover Malta in 6 days – The ultimate itinerary
Malta’s charm and undeniable natural beauty keeps visitors visiting over and over. Whilst its islands are small and its main tourists spots explorable in a few days, 6 days will allow you to see the tourist attractions and relax! Here is the ultimate 6 day itinerary for exploring Malta:
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Day 1 - Explore Valletta and The Three Cities
Spend your first day exploring the beautiful city of Valletta. Its beautifully quaint streets are some of the most charming in Europe. Enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from Upper Barrakka Gardens. Authentic Malta offer free walking tours of the city – perfect for learning more about its history!
Afterwards, if you’re a fan of rooftops, try The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge. It’s located on the top floor of The Embassy Valletta Hotel. The drinks prices are affordable and the view is absolutely stunning!
Then once you’ve immersed yourself in Valletta’s Streets, get a ferry (2-3 euros) to The Three Cities. Prepare to have your breath taken away by its adorable streets.
Day 2 - Discover Mdina and Rabat
Otherwise known as “The Silent City”, Mdina lives up to this name with its uncrowded streets, absence of vehicles and calm ambience. Its medieval and baroque architecture are worth marvelling at!
Take your time strolling through these streets and admiring the architecture, then stop by Fontanella for some tea or coffee and delicious cake (I absolutely fell in love with the chocolate cake)! The views of the Island from Fontanella are also incredible!
When heading over to Rabat, you can explore the Catacombs, including the St. Paul’s Catacombs and the St. Cataldus Catacombs. These underground burial sites provide a glimpse into Malta’s ancient past and are a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Mdina and Rabat are located in the centre of the island and makes for a convenient base for exploring other parts of the country. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the Dingli Cliffs in time for sunset or the Blue Grotto.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Comino
It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Malta without visiting its stunning islands. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is a huge tourist attraction and gets super crowded in high season (July & August).
I recommend planning your trip around shoulder seasons to properly enjoy this activity. My only regret about visiting Comino is visiting in August when it was ram-packed with people and barely any room to sit by the blue lagoon.
This is the exact tour I went on: From Sliema: Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Cruise. I absolutely loved how it allowed us 3 hours of pure relaxation at the Blue Lagoon and Comino, as well as seeing the crystal lagoon on the way! You can find other day trips here.
Day 4 - Day Trip to Gozo
Whilst there are tours offering day trips to both Gozo and Comino, I find these kinds of trips to be too rushed. Gozo definitely deserves its own day trip as there is so much to explore!
Although buses are a good enough option to explore the island, things will take longer! You might want to consider hiring a car or quad bike for more flexibility and to get to the harder to reach spots!
Start in Victoria and walk the city walls! The views from the top of the fort are worth trip.
Another picture perfect spot is Dwejra. Visit the Azure Window from Game of Thrones, which is now collapsed, but is great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving! Swim shoes, (which I love to call soft girl shoes), will be your saviour because of the slippery and rocky surfaces. It’s wise to consider bringing swim shoes with your to Malta anyway due to the abundance of beautiful rocky beaches!
Equally as itinerary-worthy is Ta’ Pinu Shrine. Its ornate appearance will have you in awe and it’s a great place some quiet prayer or contemplation.
Then head to Tal Mixta Cave, a picturesque cave in the small village of Nadur, for sweeping views of Ramla Bay. If renting a car isn’t an option for you, check out this tour of the island: Gozo The Big 5 – Daytrips.
Once you’ve taken in the view, head down to the red sand beach of Ramla Bay for a well deserved swim before heading back to Malta.
Day 5 - Beach and water Sports Il-Ġnejna
Your 5th day can be spent at Il-Ġnejna. It’s a popular spot for water sports and kayak. At Ġnejna Watersports, you can rent kayaks and enjoy the freedom of exploring the bay at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, the calm and clear waters of Il-Ġnejna provide the perfect setting for a relaxing or adventurous kayaking session.
Scenic Surroundings: Il-Ġnejna’s natural beauty, with its rocky cliffs and crystal-clear waters, provides a breathtaking backdrop for your water sports activities. As you paddle along the coast, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Maltese landscape and the nearby Golden Bay!
Hidden Gem alert: For a more secluded beach experience to finish your off your day, head further north to Imgiebah bay. Require a trek down a cliff – but it’s so worth it!
Day 6 - Southern Malta - Marsaxlokk
Arguably the most relaxing and wholesome part of the trip will be the part you get to experience Marsaxlokk and the beauty of the southeastern coasy.
Spend a beach day at Xrobb l-Ġħaġin Beach, a hidden gem with a rocky shoreline with a unique and rugged landscape. It’s perfect for jumping in! While it may not have the soft sand of other Maltese beaches, the rocky terrain adds to the beach’s charm and provides a more secluded and natural setting. It’s a part of the Xrobb l-Ġħaġin Nature Park, a protected reserve that encompasses the surrounding area, including megalithic temple remains and chalky white cliffs
When you get hungry, head into the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk for some fresh seafood!
Final words
I hope your trip to Malta is one to remember with this itinerary. Remember to be flexible with your plans and dare to go off the beaten track and discover something new. Malta’s stunning landscapes and amazing history is so worth getting immersed into.
Check out Go-To Websites For a Practical & Budget Friendly Trip and 5 Mindful Travel Tips For A Wholesome Trip to get the most out of your travel experiences!
If you’re thinking of taking your first solo trip, check out: How solo travel will help you have more meaningful trips.
