The perfect balance: cover Malta highlights, spend a full day on Gozo, visit the Blue Lagoon, and still have beach time. Complete day-by-day plan.
Perfect for: First-time visitors who want a proper Malta experience. Ideal base: Sliema or St Julian's for all 5 days.
Full-day Valletta exploration - St John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens (noon cannon), lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker. Afternoon dghajsa water taxi to the Three Cities. Sunset drinks at Barrakka, dinner on Strait Street. See our 3-day itinerary for detailed timings.
Morning: Mdina "Silent City" - walk medieval streets, St Paul's Cathedral, coffee at Fontanella with panoramic views. Lunch: Rabbit stew at Ta Doni in Rabat. Afternoon: Marsaxlokk fishing village (Sunday market if timing works), Blue Grotto boat trip (25 min, 8 EUR), swim at St Peter's Pool. Evening: Return to base, dinner in St Julian's.
Full-day catamaran from Sliema (10am-5pm, ~35 EUR) - Blue Lagoon, sea caves, Crystal Lagoon. Or take the budget option: bus 41 to Cirkewwa, 15 EUR return ferry. Get the first ferry (8am) to beat crowds. Remember to book free Blue Lagoon Access in advance. Full details in our Blue Lagoon guide.
8:00am - Bus/taxi to Cirkewwa, 25-minute Gozo ferry (4.65 EUR return). 9:30am - Rent a car in Mgarr for the day (30-40 EUR) or use Gozo hop-on-hop-off bus. 10:00am - Victoria (Rabat) and the Cittadella - Gozo's fortified old town with panoramic views. 12:30pm - Lunch at Ta Rikardu (cheese and honey rings) inside Cittadella walls. 2:00pm - Dwejra Bay - former Azure Window site, Inland Sea, diving cave. 4:00pm - Ramla Bay - Gozo's famous red sand beach. 6:00pm - Sunset drinks at Xlendi Bay. 8:00pm - Ferry back to Malta.
Well-earned beach day. Take bus 44 to Golden Bay (Malta's most popular sandy beach) with lounger rental and beach bars. Walk 15 minutes to Ghajn Tuffieha - Malta's most scenic beach with dramatic clay cliffs. Alternative: quieter Gnejna Bay for a local feel. Late afternoon: return to base, farewell dinner at Palazzo Preca (Valletta) or Zest (St Julian's).
Sliema/St Julian's ideal - central for all trips, best restaurants and nightlife.
Buses + Bolt taxi app for most days. Rent a car only for Gozo day.
Blue Lagoon access slot, Gozo ferry (if driving), popular restaurants.
Yes - five days is the sweet spot. You get to see the highlights of Malta (Valletta, Mdina, Blue Lagoon), enjoy a full Gozo day trip, and still have time for beaches without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. Dedicate at least one full day to Gozo. The ferry from Cirkewwa takes 25 minutes. See the Citadel in Victoria, Ramla Bay beach and Dwejra Bay.
Per person budget: 500-700 EUR mid-range, 900-1200 EUR comfortable, 1500+ EUR luxury. Excludes flights. Sliema/St Julian's accommodation averages 100-180 EUR per night.
Skip Popeye Village unless you have kids. Skip Malta National Aquarium. The Hypogeum requires booking weeks ahead - only do it if you booked. Focus on Valletta, Mdina, Blue Lagoon and Gozo.
Related: 3 days - 7 days - Blue Lagoon - Gozo guide