Malta is compact — 27km long — but extraordinarily dense with things to see. Even 4 days barely scratches the surface. This itinerary covers the essential Malta experience: Valletta, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the ancient temples and Gozo island.
Day 1 — Valletta & the Grand Harbour
Arrive and go straight to Valletta. Walk from Triton Fountain through the City Gate to St John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio's largest painting is here — book timed entry). Upper Barrakka Gardens for the Grand Harbour saluting battery (cannon fires daily at noon and 4pm). Three Cities by dghajsa water taxi in the afternoon — Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, almost no tourists. Evening dinner in Valletta's Republic Street area.
Day 2 — Blue Lagoon, Comino
Take an early morning boat to the Blue Lagoon on Comino (depart 8–9am to arrive before the crowds). The turquoise water is extraordinary — swim, snorkel and explore the tiny island. Return by 2pm. Afternoon: Mdina (40 minutes by bus) — the Silent City, best in the late afternoon when day-trippers have left. Sunset from Mdina's bastions is excellent.
Day 3 — Ancient Temples & South
Morning at Ħaġar Qim megalithic temples (bus from Valletta, 45 minutes) — 5,500 years old, remarkably preserved and overlooking the sea to Filfla island. Blue Grotto boat trip (15 minutes from Ħaġar Qim). Afternoon: Marsaxlokk traditional fishing village — the Sunday morning fish market is famous, but the coloured luzzu boats are photogenic any day. Evening in St Julian's for the seafront restaurant scene.
Day 4 — Gozo Island
Ferry from Ċirkewwa (25 minutes, runs very frequently). Victoria's citadel — views across the entire island. Azure Window site (coastal landscape remains extraordinary despite the arch collapse in 2017). Ggantija temples (older than the Malta temples, remarkably preserved). Ramla Bay beach (excellent swimming). Return ferry and evening departure or final Valletta dinner.
Essential Tips
- ✔ Blue Lagoon timing: Arrive by 9am — the lagoon gets very crowded by 11am in summer
- ✔ Mdina morning tip: Visit after 4pm when day-trippers have left — the city is almost empty and atmospheric
- ✔ Valletta cathedral: St John's Co-Cathedral requires advance booking — fill out before arriving in Malta
- ✔ Transport: Malta's bus network is good and cheap (€1.50/journey). A car is useful for the temples and south coast but not needed for Valletta and Mdina
- ✔ Gozo: The ferry to Gozo from Ċirkewwa is free (northbound only — pay €4.65 returning from Gozo to Malta)
FAQs
How many days do you need in Malta?
4 days covers the essential Malta and Gozo highlights. A week allows slower exploration and more time on Comino.
Is Malta good for a long weekend?
3 days is enough for Valletta, Blue Lagoon and Mdina — a very satisfying short break.
What is the best day trip from Malta?
Gozo is the best full-day trip. The Blue Lagoon on Comino is the best half-day trip.