Perfect 5-Day Malta Itinerary: Including Gozo and Comino
After living in Malta for 3 years, I've perfected this 5-day itinerary that covers the archipelago's highlights while avoiding tourist traps. It's designed to minimize travel time and maximize experiences, with flexibility for different travel styles.
Where to Stay
I recommend basing yourself in Sliema for this itinerary. Here's why:
- Central location with excellent bus connections
- Direct ferry to Valletta (€2.80 return)
- Boat trips to Comino depart from here
- Better value accommodation than Valletta
- Plenty of restaurants and shopping options
Day 1: Arrival and Sliema Orientation
After landing at Malta International Airport, take Bolt (local version of Uber) to Sliema. It's usually €15-20, compared to €30+ for traditional taxis. Most hotels offer check-in from 15:00.
Afternoon activities:
- Walk the Sliema promenade from Tigne Point to St. Julian's
- Stop at Fond Ghadir beach for a quick swim
- Visit the Point Shopping Mall if you need any essentials
Evening: Dinner at The Chophouse or Hammett's Macina for stunning Valletta views. Book in advance for terrace seating.
Day 2: Valletta Deep Dive
Start early! Take the Sliema ferry to Valletta (runs every 30 minutes from 07:15).
Morning:
- St. John's Co-Cathedral (opens 09:30) - get there first to avoid queues
- Upper Barrakka Gardens for the noon cannon firing
- Fort St. Elmo and War Museum
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Caffe Cordina or Is-Suq tal-Belt food market
- Grand Masters' Palace (if open - check ahead as it's often closed for renovation)
- MUŻA art museum or Lascaris War Rooms
Evening: Explore Strait Street's bars and restaurants. Try Yard 32 for gin tasting or Bridge Bar for jazz nights (Fridays in summer).
Day 3: Gozo Day Trip
Take the 06:45 bus X1 to Cirkewwa ferry terminal (45 minutes) or Bolt (25 minutes). First ferry departs at 07:00.
Gozo itinerary:
- Hop-on bus from ferry to Victoria (€10 day ticket)
- Victoria Citadel - arrive before 10:00 to avoid crowds
- Ġgantija Temples (UNESCO site, older than pyramids)
- Lunch in Xlendi Bay - try Boat House Restaurant for fresh fish
- Ramla Bay beach for swimming (red sand beach)
- Optional: Dwejra Bay for sunset
Pro tip: Consider hiring a Bolt in Gozo (€60-70 for the day) instead of relying on buses if you're a group of 3-4.
Day 4: Mdina, Rabat & South Malta
Morning:
- Bus to Mdina (arrive by 09:00)
- Walk the Silent City's medieval streets
- St. Paul's Cathedral and Cathedral Museum
- Fontanella Tea Garden for famous chocolate cake
Afternoon in Rabat:
- St. Paul's Catacombs
- Domus Romana
Late afternoon: Head to Marsaxlokk fishing village (bus 81 or Bolt). Visit Blue Grotto if time permits (last boats depart 16:00 in summer).
Day 5: Comino and Departure
Book an afternoon/evening flight to make the most of your last day.
Morning:
- 08:30 boat to Blue Lagoon from Sliema (€20 return)
- Arrive before the crowds (gets very busy after 11:00)
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Return by 14:00
Departure: Allow 3 hours from Sliema to flight departure, including transfer time and airport procedures.
If You're Short on Time
With 3 days, focus on:
- Day 1: Valletta
- Day 2: Mdina morning + Blue Lagoon afternoon
- Day 3: Gozo highlights
Transport Tips
Getting around:
- Buy a 7-day bus card (€21) on arrival if planning to use buses
- Download Bolt app - often cheaper and more reliable than buses
- Ferry to Gozo is €4.65 return (pay only on return journey)
- Consider Malta Taxi Apps for airport transfers
Remember: Malta's buses can be unreliable in summer. Always have Bolt as a backup, especially for airport transfers.