Last fall, we spent six weeks exploring Europe, with a full month dedicated to Italy and a week-long escape to Malta. After soaking up the flavors of Sicily… Palermo’s markets, zipping through Syracuse’s streets in a coloful TukTuk, and basking in Taormina’s seaside charm, we hopped on a short flight to Malta.
Malta was a dream. A compact island nation filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, golden limestone churches, hidden coves, historic towns, and the iconic Gallarija (Maltese Balcony), it offered the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery before we continued to Tuscany and Lake Como.
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Our 5-7 Day Malta Itinerary
Day 1: Valletta – The Capital of Malta
We based ourselves in Valletta, the walled capital, where every corner feels like a film set. We strolled along Republic Street, taking in the sweeping views over the Grand Harbour, and stopped to admire the unique balconies.
We visited St. John’s Co-Cathedral, famous for its ornate Baroque interior and Caravaggio masterpieces. It is one of the most extraordinary Baroque interiors in Europe, its austere limestone facade giving no hint of the opulence within. Built in the late 16th century as the church of the Knights of St. John, the cathedral dazzles with richly gilded walls, intricately carved stonework, frescoed vaults, and marble tombstones that form a vibrant mosaic beneath your feet: each marking a knight laid to rest.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral’s greatest treasures are the two Caravaggio masterpieces housed in the Oratory, including The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, the only painting the artist ever signed, renowned for its dramatic use of light, shadow, and raw emotion.
We had dinner at Rampila, where tables are tucked into the historic fortification walls overlooking the city lights.
Day 2: Mdina – The Silent City
The next day, we took a short drive to Mdina, Malta’s medieval walled city. Known as “The Silent City,” its narrow golden-stone alleys, palazzos, and churches feel timeless.
We stopped at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina and enjoyed an iconic slice of cake at Fontanella Tea Garden, which comes with sweeping views across the island. There are so many things to do in Mdina Silent City, like taking a carriage ride but getting lost in the tiny alleyways is the best way to enjoy it.
We walked over to Rabat. Unlike Mdina’s hushed grandeur, Rabat has a warm, everyday rhythm, making it an ideal place to linger, explore on foot, and experience Malta’s history woven seamlessly into daily life. St. Paul’s Grotto is a major pilgrimage site, believed to be the location where St. Paul stayed after his shipwreck in Malta in AD 60; the adjoining church and museum provide historical context.
There was a lovely art exhibition at the museum that we enjoyed wandering into.
Yes, you can see Valletta in 2 days, Gozo in 2 days, but staying a week in Malta lets you enjoy it at a slower pace!
Day 3: Gozo – Malta’s Sister Island
A short ferry ride took us to Gozo, where life moves more slowly. We visited the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO site older than the pyramids, and explored the seaside town of Xlendi. Most people do a day trip to Gozo from Malta, just to go swimming in the waters of Ramla Bay and lounge on the golden red sands.
Tip: You can take a hop on hop off bus from the port and hit many of the sites and top things to do in Gozo, Malta, in a day.
For lunch, we took an Uber to Terrazzo on Xlendi, a lovely spot overlooking the limestone cliff of the bay.
Day 4–5: Beaches, Harbours & Hidden Coves
The next few days were for wandering around in Valletta, revisiting our favorite cafes and taking things slow. We spent one evening discovering and dining in Marsaxlokk fishing village, where colorful luzzu boats bob in the harbor. It was the freshest and best seafood in Marsaxlokk, Malta
We were planning to go to another popular swimming spot: the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino. But didn’t get around to it
How Malta Fit into Our 1-Month Italy & Malta Itinerary
Malta was the perfect interlude in our month-long Italy trip. We started on the Amalfi Coast, explored Sicily before flying to Malta, and then returned to Italy for Tuscany’s agriturismos, wine tastings, Florence’s Renaissance treasures, and a dreamy finale in Lake Como.
The classic Maltese Balcony, Gallarija, enclosed wooden balconies, often brightly colored, that jut out from buildings. Originally used for women to observe the outside world safely and for ventilation/cooling.
Tea Time in Malta: My favorite tradition
Malta’s tea-time tradition is a charming legacy of British rule, which lasted from 1800 until independence in 1964. Afternoon tea took root during the colonial period, especially among the upper classes and in social clubs, hotels, and grand townhouses, and it remains part of Maltese daily life in a distinctly local way.
You’ll still find tea served with milk, loose-leaf blends, and classic accompaniments like cakes, pastries, and sandwiches, particularly in traditional cafés, old hotels, and village pastizzerias. However, you will see that Malta adapted the ritual to its Mediterranean rhythm: tea is often less formal than in the UK and paired with local sweets such as honey rings (qagħaq tal-għasel), almond pastries, or plain sponge cake.
Where to Stay in Malta
Hotels in Valletta (Best Base for Exploring the Capital)
Since Valletta is compact and walkable, staying inside the city walls means you’re just steps from the cathedral, harbor views, and great dining.
We loved our stay at this boutique hotel, a restored 17th-century palazzo, located at the beginning of Republic Street, where all the stores and restaurants are located. Loved the breakfast every morning, concierge services, and all transport arrangements to Gozo and Mdina that the staff made for us.
- The Phoenicia Malta – A luxury landmark hotel right by the city gates, with gardens and harbor views. (One of the best luxury hotel in Valletta Malta)
- La Falconeria Hotel – Boutique style, central location, perfect for couples exploring Valletta. (SEO keyword: “boutique hotels Valletta Malta”)
- Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel – Stylish rooms inside a renovated historic palazzo.
- The Embassy Valletta Hotel – Located at the very centre of Valletta, very close to the legendary Strait Street
Hotels in Mdina (For a Magical Night in the Silent City)
Spending the night in Mdina is an unforgettable experience. Once the day-trippers leave, the golden city feels truly timeless.
- The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux – A 17th-century palazzo with elegant suites and stunning views. (If you are trying to decide where to stay in Mdina Malta Silent City, this is a great option)
- Point de Vue Guesthouse – A cozy, budget-friendly option just outside the city walls with easy access to Mdina.
Hotels in Gozo (For a Relaxed Island Escape)
If you’re spending more than a day on Gozo, staying overnight lets you enjoy the island’s slow pace and quiet evenings.
- Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa – A countryside escape with pools and spa facilities, perfect for unwinding. (It is one of best hotels in Gozo, Malta with pool)
- The Duke Boutique Hotel – Central location in Victoria, with rooftop views over Gozo.
- Cesca’s Boutique Hotel in Xlendi – Charming, intimate stay close to the sea and Gozo’s best restaurants. (One of the best boutique hotels in Gozo, Malta and Xlendi beach is lovely)
Where to Eat in Malta
One of the highlights of our Malta itinerary was discovering the island’s incredible food scene. From dining with a view of Valletta’s bastions to eating traditional pastizzi in a local café, Malta is full of flavors influenced by Italian, Arabic, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Best Restaurants in Valletta, Malta
- Rampila Restaurant – Set inside Valletta’s old bastion walls, this restaurant is famous for its terrace with panoramic views. (A romantic restaurant with a unique view in Valletta Malta)
- Noni – A Michelin-starred restaurant blending Maltese traditions with modern flavors. Perfect for foodies seeking fine dining. (I was surprised to see so many Michelin-starred restaurants Valletta Malta)
- Caffe Cordina – Historic café on Republic Street, the best place to try local pastries and coffee. (An iconic and traditional Maltese café in Valletta). We went to this cafe a couple of times, food was good and great for people watching 🙂
- L’Ancora Boutique Restaurant – Fresh Mediterranean cuisine in a lovely setting
- Palazzo Precca and Naan Bar are a couple of other places we enjoyed dining. Naan Bar Valletta offers Modern Indian Cuisine and is owned by the Leela Group of Hotels.
Where to Eat in Mdina, Malta
- Fontanella Tea Garden – Famous for its cakes and sweeping views over the island. (Mdina café with the best views)
- Bacchus Restaurant – Set inside the city’s old bastion walls, a romantic spot for Mediterranean dishes.
- Trattoria AD 1530 – Cozy trattoria in a beautiful square, perfect for a relaxed meal. (Considered one of the best restaurants Mdina, Malta Silent City)
Gozo Seafood & Local Eats
Gozo has some of the freshest seafood in Malta, especially near its coastal villages.
- Ta’ Philip – Famous for slow-cooked Gozitan dishes, especially rabbit stew. (It is a traditional Gozitan food restaurant)
- Il-Kartell Restaurant in Marsalforn – Waterfront restaurant serving excellent seafood platters. (Possibly the best seafood restaurants Gozo, Malta)
- Cesca Boutique Hotel Restaurant (Xlendi) – A hidden gem for intimate fine dining with stunning valley views.
Street Food & Must-Try Local Specialties in Malta
No Malta trip is complete without sampling street food and traditional bites:
- Pastizzi – Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, best enjoyed from a local bakery. (The ones from Is-Serkin in Rabat are so good and worth the hype)
- Ftira – A Maltese sandwich with tuna, olives, and capers.
- Kinnie – Malta’s bittersweet soda that pairs perfectly with a hot day exploring Valletta.
- Rabbit Stew – I passed on this 😉 But it seems to be a local delicacy featured on most menus.
Practical, experience-based travel tips for Malta
- Renting a car is helpful for beaches, Gozo, and rural sites, but not essential for Valletta, Mdina, or the Three Cities. Driving is on the left, roads are narrow, and parking can be tight.
- Buses are extensive and inexpensive, but allow extra time—they’re slow and can be crowded in peak season.
- Ferries are fun. Valletta to the Three Cities and Malta to Gozo are scenic and efficient.
- Book St. John’s Co-Cathedral tickets in advance and allow time for the Oratory.
- English is widely spoken; Euros are used everywhere.
- Tap water is safe but desalinated. Most people prefer bottled.
- Bring comfortable shoes, you will be walking a lot and the streets are uneven.
- Shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct) are ideal: warm sea, fewer crowds, softer light. We visited in early September.
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