5 Days in Malta: Complete First-Time Itinerary

# 5 Days in Malta: Complete First-Time Itinerary

A five-day visit to Malta offers the perfect balance of culture, beaches, and island exploration for first-time travellers. This comprehensive Malta itinerary covers the essential highlights of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, ensuring you experience the best this Mediterranean destination has to offer.

Day 1: Arrive in Malta and Explore Valletta

Start your Malta adventure in Valletta, the capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valletta sits on a dramatic peninsula surrounded by fortifications, making it one of Europe's most picturesque cities.

Morning: Valletta Essentials

After arriving at Malta International Airport, take a direct bus to Valletta city centre (€1.50, approximately 30 minutes). Drop your bags at one of Malta's excellent hotels—consider The Phoenicia for luxury overlooking Grand Harbour, or The George Hotel for boutique charm in the heart of Valletta.

Explore the main street, Republic Street, lined with historic architecture. Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, one of Malta's most impressive baroque structures featuring works by Caravaggio.

Afternoon: Grand Harbour Views

Walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for spectacular views across the Grand Harbour. Watch traditional Maltese luzzu boats—colourful wooden fishing boats—glide below. The gardens offer the perfect introduction to Malta's maritime heritage.

Evening: Dinner in Valletta

Dine at Noni in Valletta for modern Maltese cuisine, or try Cafe Cordina for traditional pastizzi (pastry snacks). Experience Malta's café culture with coffee at one of the many establishments dotting Republic Street. End your day at a bar like The Pub Valletta or Bridge Bar, both offering views and authentic Maltese hospitality.

Day 2: Malta's Three Cities and St Peters Pool

Day two introduces you to Malta's historical Three Cities and its most Instagram-famous swimming spot.

Morning: The Three Cities

Take a ferry from Valletta across the Grand Harbour to explore Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua—collectively known as the Three Cities. These fortified towns showcase Malta's strategic importance throughout history. Wander narrow streets lined with colourful balconies and baroque architecture typical of Malta.

Visit the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, where Malta's religious and legal history comes alive. Walk the waterfront promenades offering views back toward Valletta across the harbour.

Afternoon: St Peters Pool

Head to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village where colourful luzzu boats still operate daily. From here, travel to St Peters Pool near Delimara Point—a dramatic natural pool surrounded by rocky cliffs. This is one of Malta's most spectacular swimming locations, perfect for snorkelling in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Stay until sunset, when golden light transforms the rocky landscape. Have dinner in Marsaxlokk, where waterfront restaurants serve fresh catch daily.

Day 3: Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Day three takes you to the tiny island of Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon—essential for any Malta first-timer.

Morning: Ferry to Comino

Take the ferry from Valletta or Cirkewwa to Comino (approximately 20 minutes). The Blue Lagoon between Comino and the islet of Cominotto displays turquoise water so vivid it seems unreal. Swim, snorkel, and explore underwater rock formations in this protected marine area.

Comino remains largely undeveloped, with minimal crowds before 10 AM. Arrive early to experience Comino's peaceful, pristine character before day-trippers arrive.

Afternoon: Explore Comino Island

Beyond the Blue Lagoon, Comino offers hiking trails across rocky terrain and coastal views of both Malta and Gozo. Visit the Santa Maria Tower, a historic fortification offering panoramic Mediterranean vistas.

Pack lunch or eat at one of the few beach tavernas serving fresh fish. The water remains perfect for swimming all day.

Evening: Return to Malta

Return to Valletta by ferry. Rest at your Malta hotel or explore the nightlife—try StrEat Whisky Bar for craft cocktails or Trabuxu for traditional Maltese wine.

Day 4: Gozo Island Full Day

Day four focuses entirely on Gozo, Malta's sister island offering dramatic landscapes and authentic village life.

Morning: Ferry and Xlendi

Take the ferry from Malta (Cirkewwa) to Gozo (approximately 25 minutes). Head directly to Xlendi, a picturesque fishing village with a natural harbour surrounded by steep cliffs. Xlendi in Gozo perfectly captures Mediterranean village charm—pastel-coloured houses, waterfront restaurants, and inviting pools.

Swim in the natural pool or explore underwater caves popular with divers exploring Gozo's exceptional dive sites.

Afternoon: Gozo Villages and The Citadel

Drive to Rabat, Gozo's largest town, then ascend to The Citadel—a fortified medieval city perched 300 metres above surrounding countryside. The Citadel offers 360-degree views across Gozo toward Malta and Sicily. Walk the ramparts and explore the Cathedral, one of Malta's architectural masterpieces.

Visit Ta Frenc or Ta Rikardu in Gozo for lunch—both serve exceptional traditional Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine showcasing local ingredients.

Evening: Ramla Bay

End day four at Ramla Bay in Gozo, famous for its golden sand—rare in Malta. This horseshoe-shaped beach offers stunning sunsets. Have dinner at a beachfront taverna in Gozo before returning to Malta by ferry.

Day 5: Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay

Your final day explores Malta's most famous beaches and coastal attractions.

Morning: Golden Bay

Head to Golden Bay on Malta's northwest coast—consistently rated among Europe's finest beaches. The golden sand stretches 300 metres, framed by dramatic red cliffs. Swim, relax, or try water sports. Golden Bay in Malta perfectly captures Mediterranean beach culture.

Afternoon: Mellieha Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha

Move to nearby Mellieha Bay, Malta's longest sandy beach offering calm, shallow waters ideal for families. Adjacent Ghajn Tuffieha offers similar golden sand with fewer crowds. Both beaches provide excellent swimming and beachside dining.

Visit Armier Bay if you prefer quieter alternatives to Malta's most popular beaches.

Evening: Last Night in Malta

Return to Valletta for your final dinner. Try Rubino for traditional Maltese specialties, or Bahia for Mediterranean-inspired cooking. Visit Bridge Bar or 67 Kapitali for cocktails overlooking Grand Harbour at night.

Reflect on five days exploring Malta's incredible combination of history, natural beauty, culture, and hospitality.

Practical Tips for Your Malta Trip

• Transport: Purchase a 7-day bus pass (€21) covering all Malta buses—excellent value
• Accommodation: Book hotels in Valletta for convenient access to Malta's main attractions
• Restaurants: Reserve dinner tables in advance at popular Valletta restaurants
• Ferries: Check Gozo and Comino ferry schedules; services run throughout the day
• Best Time: Visit Malta in April-May or September-October for perfect weather
• Currency: Malta uses euros; credit cards widely accepted

This five-day Malta itinerary provides first-time visitors with unforgettable experiences across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, combining beaches, history, culture, and authentic Mediterranean lifestyle.

Related Malta Guides

• 2 Days in Malta: Essential Weekend Guide for First-Time Visitors
• Malta Gozo and Comino: Perfect 7-Day Island Itinerary