Malta is 27 km long and 14 km wide. From a base in Sliema or Valletta you can reach almost anywhere in 30–60 minutes. This makes Malta ideal for star-pattern sightseeing — a new destination each day, back to your comfortable hotel every evening. Here are 8 of the best day trips from Sliema or Valletta.
1. Gozo — A Full Day on the Sister Island
Travel time: Bus 221 from Valletta to Cirkewwa (around 50 min, €2) + Cirkewwa → Mġarr ferry (25 min, €4.65 return).
What to see: Victoria Citadel, Blue Hole and Inland Sea (Dwejra), Ramla Bay (orange sand beach), dinner in Xlendi or Marsalforn.
Recommended: Full-day guided Gozo tours — minibus collection from your hotel, back in the evening.
2. Mdina and Rabat — The Silent City
Travel time: Bus 52 from Valletta (30 min, €2) or Bolt (around €12).
What to see: Mdina — enter the gate by 8am before the crowds. Cathedral, palaces, walls, views south across Malta. Rabat — St. Paul's Catacombs (essential), Museum of Roman Malta.
Time: 3–4 hours. Combine with Dingli Cliffs (15 min by car).
3. Marsaxlokk — Sunday Morning
Travel time: Bus 81 from Valletta (45 min, €2) or Bolt (€15).
When: Sunday morning only (6:30am–noon) for the fish market.
What to see: Sunday fish market, colourful luzzu boats, lunch on the waterfront.
Combine with: Blue Grotto (20 min) + Ħaġar Qim (35 min). Full day in south Malta.
4. Blue Lagoon (Comino) — Turquoise Swimming
Transport: Boat from Cirkewwa or Sliema (15–30 min, €15–20 return).
When: May–June or September–October (July–August: extreme crowds). Take the 8–9am boat.
Plan: Swim in the turquoise lagoon in the morning (2–3 hours), return before 2pm. Bring your own food.
5. The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)
Transport: Ferry from Valletta to Birgu (5 min, around €2.80 return).
What to see: Fort St. Angelo, Maritime Museum, Gardjola Gardens in Senglea.
Time: 4–5 hours. Best in the morning, ferry back to Valletta for dinner.
Bonus: View of illuminated Valletta from the evening ferry — stunning.
6. Mellieħa and Popeye Village
Transport: Bus 221 from Valletta (45–55 min, €2).
What to see: Popeye Village (Anchor Bay), Mellieħa Bay (Malta's largest beach), Red Tower.
Best for: Families with children — Popeye Village + beach = a full day.
7. Ħaġar Qim and Blue Grotto
Transport: Bus from Valletta (around 45 min) or Bolt (€18–22).
What to see: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra — megalithic temples older than Stonehenge. Blue Grotto — sea caves with turquoise water (boat tour, around €7–9).
Combine with: Marsaxlokk (lunch, 20 min) or St. Peter's Pool (swimming).
8. Valletta — Half Day or Full Day
Even if your base is elsewhere — a full day in the capital is essential.
St. John's Co-Cathedral (€15), Upper Barrakka Gardens (free, harbour views), Republic Street, Merchants Street. Afternoon ferry to the Three Cities. Evening ferry from Sliema — Valletta at night is spectacular.
Day Trip Transport — How to Plan
- Tallinja bus: Cheap (€2/journey, weekly pass €21), but slow. Everything routes through Valletta.
- Bolt/eCabs: More expensive, fast, flexible. For groups of 2–3 can be cheaper than buying multiple bus tickets.
- Car hire: Only for 2–3 days — southern Malta, Mdina and Gozo. Left-hand drive.
- Guided tours: With a guide — for comfort without logistics.