7 Day Malta Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Malta, Gozo and Comino
Malta is a spectacular Mediterranean destination offering ancient history, stunning beaches and vibrant culture across three distinct islands. This comprehensive 7-day Malta itinerary ensures you experience the very best of Malta, Gozo and Comino without missing essential highlights. Whether you're exploring Valletta's UNESCO streets or swimming in Comino's turquoise waters, this Malta travel guide has you covered.
Day 1: Arrive in Malta and Explore Valletta
Your Malta adventure begins in Valletta, the island's fortified capital. Spend your first day in Valletta exploring the UNESCO-listed streets and historic landmarks that define Malta's character. Start at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, a masterpiece of Maltese architecture filled with baroque art.
Walk through the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, offering panoramic views across Malta's Grand Harbour. The gardens provide perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful respite from Valletta's bustling streets.
For dinner in Valletta, book a table at Cafe Cordina in Valletta's main square, where you can enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine in a historic setting. Budget approximately €25-35 per person for dinner in Valletta's restaurant scene.
Day 2: Malta's Historic South and Coastal Beauty
Explore southern Malta, beginning with the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. These fortified towns showcase Malta's maritime heritage through narrow alleys and historic buildings.
Take the ferry from Valletta to Vittoriosa (€1.50) to experience these charming Malta communities. Explore the Malta Maritime Museum and Fort St Angelo, offering insights into Malta's strategic importance throughout history.
In the afternoon, head to Marsaxlokk, Malta's most picturesque fishing village. Watch traditional luzzu boats with their characteristic painted eyes bob in the harbor. Grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Malta's Mediterranean waters.
End your Malta day at Nenu the Artisan Baker in Valletta, famous for traditional ftira bread and pastizzi (€1-3 each). These pastries are essential Maltese cuisine.
Day 3: Golden Beaches of Malta
Day three focuses on Malta's most famous beaches. Start at Golden Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach offering golden sands and clear Mediterranean waters perfect for swimming. Golden Bay is accessible via regular bus service from Valletta (approximately 45 minutes).
Next, visit Mellieha Bay on Malta's north coast. This expansive sandy beach spans nearly 500 meters and offers excellent facilities for beachgoers exploring Malta's northern coast.
Alternatively, visit Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Malta's secluded beach nestled between dramatic cliffs. The descent involves 64 steps but rewards you with pristine sands and fewer crowds than other Malta beaches.
Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing. Budget €5-10 for sunbed rentals across Malta's beaches. Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront cafes (€15-25 per meal) while watching the Mediterranean sunset over Malta.
Day 4: Ferry to Gozo and Island Exploration
Day four takes you to Gozo, Malta's sister island offering dramatic landscapes and authentic Gozitan culture. Ferry from Malta (Cirkewwa) to Gozo (Mgarr) costs €4.65 return and takes 25 minutes.
Upon arrival in Gozo, visit the Citadel in Victoria, Gozo's capital. This fortified old town dominates Gozo's skyline and offers sweeping views across Gozo's countryside toward Malta.
Explore Gozo's charming villages including Fontana, known for traditional crafts, and Gharb in western Gozo. These communities showcase authentic Gozitan life away from Malta's busier areas.
For dinner in Gozo, visit Ta Frenc in Gozo's Fontana village, renowned for Mediterranean cuisine with Gozitan specialties (€30-45 per person). Alternatively, try Ta Rikardu in Gozo for traditional fare in a family-run setting.
Day 5: Gozo's Beaches and Natural Wonders
Spend day five discovering Gozo's spectacular beaches. Start at Ramla Bay in Gozo, the largest sandy beach on the island with distinctive red sand contrasting Malta's typical golden beaches.
Visit Xlendi in Gozo, a picturesque fishing village with a dramatic gorge descending to the sea. Xlendi offers swimming, diving and waterfront dining that captures authentic Gozo atmosphere.
Explore the Azure Window area in Gozo (though the famous arch collapsed in 2017, the dramatic cliffs remain stunning). This Malta landmark offers incredible photo opportunities across Gozo's western coast.
Dine at a Gozo waterfront restaurant enjoying fresh catch of the day (€20-30). Gozo maintains slower pace than Malta while offering equally compelling experiences.
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Browse Experiences on Viator →Day 6: Comino and Blue Lagoon
Day six features Comino, Malta's smallest island famous for the Blue Lagoon. Ferries depart daily from Cirkewwa in Malta to Comino (€8 return, 20 minutes).
The Blue Lagoon near Comino offers impossibly turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The seabed visibility in these Comino waters reaches 15+ meters, making it ideal for underwater exploration.
Comino remains largely undeveloped, preserving natural beauty across the island. Explore rocky coves and secluded beaches accessible only by boat or foot across Comino's rugged terrain.
Bring picnic supplies from Malta or purchase items on Comino (limited options). Budget €30-50 for boat rentals if exploring Comino independently beyond the Blue Lagoon.
Return to Malta or Gozo before sunset, as Comino offers minimal accommodation and dining options.
Day 7: Final Malta Experiences and Departure
Your final Malta day allows revisiting favorite spots or exploring missed attractions. Consider visiting:
- Armier Bay in Malta's northeast for snorkeling and diving
- St Peters Pool in Malta's southeast for dramatic cliff-jumping and swimming
- Is-Suq tal-Belt (Central Market) in Valletta for souvenir shopping and local products
If departing evening, spend afternoon shopping for Maltese honey, lace, wine and local crafts. Malta's airports offer excellent duty-free shopping.
Practical Malta Travel Tips
Getting Around Malta, Gozo and Comino: Public buses cost €1.50 within Malta. Ferries between Malta and Gozo run regularly (€4.65 return). Taxis and rental cars offer alternative transport across Malta.
Where to Stay: Consider The Phoenicia in Valletta for luxury, Hotel Juliani for boutique charm in Malta, or Xara Palace in Gozo for authentic island experience. Budget €100-250 nightly across Malta accommodations.
Best Travel Season: Visit Malta April-May or September-October for perfect weather exploring all three islands without extreme summer heat.
This 7-day Malta itinerary ensures comprehensive island exploration across Malta, Gozo and Comino, creating unforgettable Mediterranean memories.