Itinerary Overview

Days 1–2: Valletta → Day 3: The Three Cities and the Southern Coast → Day 4: Mdina and Rabat → Day 5: Gozo → Day 6: Blue Lagoon of Comino and Popeye Village → Day 7: Departure. The entire trip uses Sliema or St. Julian’s as a base, with connections via bus, ferry, and high-speed boat—no need for a car. This itinerary balances culture and island life, with most signs and tours in English. Most attractions are within a one-hour journey from one another.

Days 1–2: Valletta – The Fortress Capital

• Day 1: City Gate Fountain → Upper Barrakka Gardens with views over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities → St. John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist → Grandmaster’s Palace and Armoury → Evening ferry across the harbour to Sliema for a seaside dinner.
• Day 2: Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum → Lower Barrakka Gardens → Old town streets and artisan market → Watch a panoramic film about the 1565 Great Siege of Malta, then enjoy the illuminated Valletta city walls at night.

Day 3: The Three Cities and the Southern Coast

Take a morning ferry or bus to Birgu: Inquisitor’s Palace → Maritime Museum → Walk along the harbour promenade to Garden Battery; in the afternoon head south to the Blue Grotto for a small-boat cave tour, then continue to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum or the Tarxien Temples. On the way back, stop by the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to see the colourful luzzu boats and the traditional fish market.

Day 4: Mdina and Rabat

Ascend the Silent City of Mdina in the morning: Main Gate → St. Paul’s Cathedral → City walls viewpoint overlooking half the island; in the afternoon, explore nearby Rabat, including the St. Paul’s Catacombs and the ruins of Domvs Romana. Return to the eastern part of the main island in the evening for sunset views.

Day 5: Gozo

Take an early ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo → Victoria and its Citadel (Cittadella) → Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary → In the afternoon, visit the western coast’s Inland Sea and Azure Window ruins, viewing the Dwejra Cliffs from the site of the 2017 collapsed sea arch. If time allows, head to Ramla Bay for its red sand beach.

Day 6: Comino and Popeye Village

In summer, take a boat to the Blue Lagoon of Comino for swimming and snorkelling in its pool-like turquoise waters. From April to October, stop by Popeye Village in Mellieħa Bay—a movie-set wooden village now turned family-friendly attraction. In winter, when sea conditions are rough, opt for shopping in Valletta or add a half-day English language course.

Day 7: Departure

Depart from the airport. On the way, pick up souvenirs such as Kinnie soda, honey liqueur, and Gozo cheese.

Tips

• There’s a direct high-speed ferry from Valletta to Gozo, which takes half the time compared to routes via northern ferry terminals.
• Blue Grotto boat trips are weather-dependent; going in the morning offers calmer seas.
• Autumn offers warmer sea temperatures—plan island-hopping in the middle of your trip and switch to indoor museums and churches if it rains.
• Book summer ferry tickets and diving courses one day in advance.