3 Days in Malta — The Perfect First-Time Itinerary

Perfect for: Weekend breaks, first-timers with limited time, and travellers who prefer a fast-paced itinerary. Ideal base: Sliema or St Julian's.

Morning: Valletta Old Town

• 9:00am — Arrive in Valletta via the Sliema ferry (2 EUR return) or bus
• 9:30am — Start at Republic Street, walk through City Gate
• 10:00am — Visit St John's Co-Cathedral — Malta's baroque masterpiece with Caravaggio paintings (15 EUR)
• 11:30am — Wander to Upper Barrakka Gardens for spectacular Grand Harbour views
• 12:00pm — Watch the noon Saluting Battery cannon fire

Afternoon: Lunch & Three Cities

• 12:30pm — Lunch at a Valletta bistro. Try Nenu the Artisan Baker for traditional Maltese ftira, or Rampila for fine dining
• 2:00pm — Take the traditional dghajsa water taxi to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
• 2:30pm — Wander through Vittoriosa's narrow streets and Fort St Angelo
• 4:00pm — Coffee at the waterfront looking back at Valletta

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

• 6:00pm — Return to Valletta for sunset at Upper Barrakka Gardens
• 7:30pm — Dinner at Strait Street — atmospheric restaurant strip with jazz bars
• 10:00pm — Return to your hotel via bus or taxi

Full-Day Blue Lagoon Adventure

Option A — Full-day boat tour from Sliema (recommended)

• 9:30am — Board your full-day catamaran from Sliema (Bus 13 or short walk if staying nearby)
• 10:00am — Depart with breakfast on board and scenic coastal views
• 12:00pm — Arrive at Blue Lagoon, Comino — swim in the turquoise waters
• 1:30pm — Lunch on board or on Comino
• 3:00pm — Visit sea caves and Crystal Lagoon
• 5:00pm — Return to Sliema

Option B — Ferry from Cirkewwa (budget)

• Bus 41 or 42 from Valletta to Cirkewwa (~1 hour, 2 EUR)
• Ferry to Blue Lagoon (~15 EUR return)
• Return same way

See our complete Blue Lagoon guide →

Morning: Mdina "Silent City"

• 9:00am — Bus 51 or taxi to Mdina (~30 minutes from Valletta)
• 9:30am — Walk through Mdina Gate (Game of Thrones fans — this was King's Landing)
• 10:00am — Wander the medieval streets, visit St Paul's Cathedral
• 11:30am — Coffee at Fontanella Tea Garden with panoramic island views

Lunch: Traditional Maltese in Rabat

• 12:30pm — Walk to Rabat (5 minutes)
• 1:00pm — Try rabbit stew at Ta Doni or Grotto Tavern

Afternoon: Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto

• 2:30pm — Head south to Marsaxlokk traditional fishing village
• 3:00pm — Photograph the colourful luzzu boats
• 4:00pm — Continue to Blue Grotto — boat trip through natural caves (8 EUR, 25 min)
• 5:00pm — Optional: Swim at St Peter's Pool nearby

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• 7:30pm — Return to Valletta or Sliema
• 8:30pm — Farewell dinner at Palazzo Preca in Valletta (fine Maltese cuisine) or beachfront at St Julian's

Is 3 days enough for Malta?

Three days is enough to see the highlights of Malta - Valletta, Mdina, and one beach or Blue Lagoon day. However you will feel rushed and miss Gozo. If possible, extend to 4-5 days.

Where should I stay for a 3-day Malta trip?

Sliema or St Julian's offer the best combination of hotels, restaurants, transport links and nightlife. Valletta is atmospheric but quieter in the evening. Both are within 15 minutes of each other.

Do I need a car for 3 days in Malta?

Not essential. Buses cover all major sites well and taxi apps like Bolt work reliably. For 3 days, save the car rental hassle and use public transport or taxis.

What is the best month for 3 days in Malta?

May, June, September and early October offer perfect weather (22-28°C), warm sea temperatures and manageable crowds. July-August are hot and crowded; November-March are cool for swimming.