3 Days in Malta: The Perfect Three Day Malta Itinerary

If you are looking for a way to spend 3 days in Malta, you are in the right place! My three-day itinerary is perfect for first-timers or veterans who enjoy frequenting the Mediterranean island.

If you follow along with my website or even on Instagram, you’ll know I am obsessed with Malta! I think it’s a wonderful country with so much to offer a wide variety of travelers. I know Malta is usually a layover of sorts for many people. You just feel like spending a couple of days there, checking out the popular spots, and then leaving.

This post contains affiliate links and I may get a commission for the purchase made through the link at NO extra cost to you. These are services and items I use and recommend myself.

While I recommend way more than 3 days in Malta to fully experience the island, I understand you want to explore more of Europe at the same time! So hopefully this 3 day itinerary will highlight the best of Malta for your trip!

3 Days in Malta: The Perfect Three Day Itinerary

Day One: 3 Day Malta Itinerary

Valletta

Whether you are staying in Valletta or just visiting for a day trip, you have to visit Malta’s capital as part of your 3 day itinerary!

Start your day at St John’s Co-Cathedral and admire one of Malta’s most lavish churches, and then head to the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Casually stroll along the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and watch the cannons fire at noon.

You can also check out the Triton Fountain, Fort St Elmo, or the Lascaris War Rooms.

Places to Eat and Drink in Valletta:

Sotto Pinsa Romana (I LOVE the pizza here!)
Bombilla Gastrobar (Friendly staff and a great drinks)
San Paolo Naufrago (Insta-Famous pizza place)
Gambit Bar and Bistro (Great food, traditional Maltese selections)
Kir Royal Cafe (Great little coffee spot)
The Pub (the famous Oliver Reed bar)

Streets of Valletta and the Lower Barrakka Gardens

Mosta Rotunda

Before you head to Mdina, take a quick detour to the Mosta Rotunda. It’s a gorgeous church with one of the world’s largest unsupported domes. It survived a German attack during WWII when a bomb crashed through the dome during a church service and didn’t go off.

Not only can you walk around the church and see a replica of the bomb, but you can explore the WWII shelter under the church and then climb to the top of the dome and see the view from above.

You don’t need a lot of time here, which is why you can do a quick “layover” before exploring Mdina.

I have a full guide to VISITING THE MOSTA ROTUNDA which will tell you everything you need to know about your visit!

Mdina

The fortified city of Mdina was the original capital of Malta until the 16th century. When the majority of its inhabitants moved out, Mdina gained the nickname “The Silent City”. Today, Mdina is a well-preserved medieval city that is a must-visit for any Malta itinerary.

Many people will head to Mdina in the morning, so wait until the afternoon to explore and it will be less crowded. It’s about 20-25 minutes from Valletta by taxi or 45 minutes by bus.

Mdina is the perfect place to chill out and have a little wander around the labyrinth of streets. Oh, and the views from Bastion Square are amazing, you can literally see half way across the island!

Explore St Paul’s Cathedral, enjoy cake at Fontanella Tea Garden, and learn about the Knights of St John at The Knights of Malta Experience.

Day Two: 3 Day Malta Itinerary

Gozo

Malta is actually a small archipelago made up of 5 islands, the second largest being Gozo. And it’s a must-visit for your 3 day Malta itinerary! I love Gozo, it’s usually described as what Malta used to be like or the “hidden gem” of Malta.

It’s true. Gozo is quieter and more rugged than Malta. It still has its old charm, which is often lost in tourist towns like Sliema and St Paul’s Bay on the main island.

You won’t be able to see everything on Gozo in one day, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can!

Exploring Gozo for your 3 days in Malta itinerary

Getting to Gozo

Depending on where you are staying, you have two options to easily get to Gozo.

If you are staying in Valletta, there is a fast boat that goes directly from the Grand Harbour to Gozo. The fast ferry runs frequently throughout the day and takes about 45 minutes. It’s also a great way to see Malta from a different perspective, so sit on the left side of the boat!

If you are staying in the north of the island or looking for the cheapest way to get to Gozo, then the ferry from Cirkewwa takes about 25 minutes.

Getting Around Gozo

If you rented a car, then you have to take the ferry from Cirkewwa because that’s the only car ferry, but if you are not driving, then you’ll have several transportation options once you get there.

Bolt is my favorite way to get around Gozo, the driver will take you to lesser known places around the island that have no bus routes.

If you are on a budget, you can opt for the bus, but you will be limited to where you can go. However, you will still get an amazing tour of Gozo, so don’t let that deter you from going!

Things to Do in Gozo

Today is going to be a BUSY day, so bring your walking shoes (and your bathing suit if you want to take a dip in the sea)!

View from the Citadel in Gozo and Ramla Bay — *View from The Citadel (left), Ramla Bay (right)*

Victoria

Victoria is the main town in Gozo and a great starting place for your adventure around Gozo. Wander around the streets and shops of Victoria and grab some breakfast at one of the local restaurants as you watch Victoria come alive.

Walk up to The Citadel, one of Gozo’s iconic landmarks. The fortified city is the perfect place for panoramic views over the city. You can walk along the ancient walls and then check out the interior of the gorgeous church.

Ġgantija Temples

The Ġgantija Archeological Park dates back 5,500 years (that’s older than the pyramids *gasp*). If you love history, this is the place for you! It’s just a short drive away from Victoria and if you are taking the bus, the bus stop is only a couple of minutes from the entrance!

Ramla Bay

Next head north to Ramla Bay. If you brought your bathing suit and want to lounge around, this is the place to do it. If you want to take in the bay with a different perspective, you can walk up to the Tal-Mixta Cave and take in the views.

Inland Sea and Dwejra Bay, where the Azure Window used to be — *Inland Sea (left), Dwejra Bay (right)*

Dwerja Bay

You have probably heard of the Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017 (and is a Game of Thrones filming location). This whole area is gorgeous. The views looking out to the sea, the landscape of the surrounding rock pools, the blue hole, the Inland Sea… everything is just *chef’s kiss*

Xlendi Bay

Xlendi Bay is a picturesque seaside village surrounded by dramatic cliffs and only a short drive from Dwerja Bay. After you have had a walk around, grab a bite to eat at Ta’ Karolina. The restaurant is right on the waterfront (literally) and the vibe is amazing!

Day Three: 3 Day Malta Itinerary

Blue Grotto

Get your day started early and head to the Blue Grotto on the southern coast of Malta. I recommend going to the viewpoint first, there is a bus stop if you are taking the bus, or you can tell your Bolt driver to drop you off there.

The Blue Grotto is one of the many cave complexes around the island, but you can take a small boat inside this one!

Once you have checked out the viewpoint, start walking down to the bottom, it’s only about 10 minutes and all downhill (now you know why I said visit the viewpoint first)!

When you get to the bottom, there will be a few restaurants and shops, but walk past them down to the boat ramp and you can purchase your ticket for the boat ride to the cave.

The boat trip is only about 15 minutes, but it’s worth it to see the morning sun bouncing off the water and throughout the cave walls. The boats will not run if the water is choppy, and unfortunately, the boat company doesn’t have a website to check if they are running that day, however, you can’t skip the viewpoint no matter what the weather is!

Marsaxlokk

When you are finished with the Blue Grotto, head to Marsaxlokk on the east coast. This is the perfect place to grab some lunch because there are so many restaurants to choose from right on the waterfront.

Marsaxlokk is the island’s most picturesque fishing village, known for its colorful luzzo boats (traditional Maltese fishing boats) bobbing around in the harbor. The seafood scene here is amazing and the Sunday market is a must-visit if you are lucky enough to time your trip right!

Marsaxlokk is perfect for a 3 day Malta itinerary

Here are some restaurants to check out:

Roots
Pastaus Restaurant
Bloom Cafe
Harbour by Johann

If you want to take a boat trip around the harbor, you don’t have to pre-book, you can just walk along the harborside and there are plenty of people offering boat trips. Some even go to the neighboring St Peter’s Pool, which is a popular swimming spot in the summer.

If you want to take a dip for yourself, St Peter’s Pool is only a 10-minute drive away. If you want to walk there, it’s a nice 45-minute hike. And if you want to learn more about Malta’s Neolithic period, check out the Tas-Silġ Archeological Complex.

Three Cities

To finish off your 3 Days in Malta, head to the Three Cities. The Three Cities are the first settlements of the Knights of St John, consisting of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea), and Bormla (Cospicua).

The small, winding alleyways of the Three Cities are such a vibe! There’s plenty to do around the area. Explore Villa Portelli and the Inquisitor’s Palace, check out Rinella Bay, explore Fort St Angelo, and for amazing views of Valletta, go to Gardjola Gardens.

And to finish off your day, head to Don Berto for some sunset cocktails!

Where to Stay in Malta

The best of Malta is how small it is and how almost every area is easily accessible to the rest of the island. You can pretty much stay anywhere you want and you’ll be able to get around.

My favorite place to stay is Valletta, and even if you are on a budget, you can find an apartment or hotel within your range. It feels more laid back and more immersive in the Maltese culture. If you want more of that “vacation vibe”, stay in Sliema or St Paul’s Bay, because there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. If you are with your family, Mellieha Bay is a great place to base yourself.

Valletta Maisonette: This is where I stayed and the location is perfect for exploring Valletta and catching the early fast ferry to Gozo!

Making the Most of Your 3 Days in Malta

Spending three days in Malta may not be enough to see everything this country has to offer, but it’s the perfect amount of time to experience all the highlights. From the historic streets of Valletta and the medieval charm of Mdina to the rugged landscape of Gozo, this itinerary gives you a taste of Malta’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food.

I’d love to hear about your experience! Let me know in the comments what you loved most about Malta or if you have any questions about planning your trip. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow travelers.

For more Malta content, check out my other posts!