How to Spend a Week in Malta: Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway that combines history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture, spending a week in Malta should be at the top of your list. This small island nation offers a travel experience that feels like a deep dive into centuries of heritage, all packed into a compact area that you can explore comfortably in just one week.

As someone who recently explored Malta firsthand, I’m excited to share my insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. From the bustling streets of Valletta to the tranquil silence of Mdina, and from delicious local food to scenic boat rides, Malta packs a lot into its small size.

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Where is Malta and How to Get There

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Italy, Libya, and Tunisia. It consists of three inhabited islands: the main island of Malta, the more rural Gozo to the northwest, and the tiny Comino nestled between them, famous for its stunning Blue Lagoon.

Getting to Malta is straightforward, since the island has one international airport. This makes travel convenient for many visitors, particularly from Europe. There are a few flights to the Middle East, but none to the Americas or Asia, so you’ll likely fly through London if you aren’t coming from Europe.

Upon arrival, public transportation is a reliable and budget-friendly way to reach your accommodation, as I discovered when taking the bus from the airport to my hotel. While taxis and shuttles are available, the public bus is definitely the cheapest option, although it obviously takes a bit longer.

There is no subway or trains on Malta, although there are ferries between and around the islands.

Getting to Know Malta: Size, Population, and Travel Tips

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, ranking 10th smallest by area, with a population just over half a million. Its compact size means that you can realistically explore all the key sights within a week, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without long travel times. However, be prepared for traffic congestion, which can make short distances take longer than expected.

The climate in Malta is mostly sunny and dry, with rare rain showers. I experienced some unexpected rain and even hail shortly after arriving, but these moments were brief and didn’t dampen my overall experience.

If you visit in the winter months like I did, swimming isn’t really on the agenda, but the mild weather and lack of crowds still makes it a great destination for sightseeing.

Language in Malta

Malta’s official languages are English and Maltese. Maltese is part of the Semitic language family, related to Arabic but heavily influenced by Italian and English due to Malta’s diverse history. With the rise of tourism and foreign workers, English is becoming more prevalent, often seen more than Maltese in everyday life. Everyone is multilingual though, and you’ll have no problems getting around in English.

Where to Stay: St. Julian’s and Sliema

For my stay, I chose the coastal area between St. Julian’s and Sliema, which is the island’s hub for restaurants, nightlife, and growing urban development. While the best beaches are further up the coast, these towns are close to Valletta and offer plenty of dining and entertainment options, making them ideal bases for your Maltese adventure, especially if you’re visiting outside the summer months.

I stayed at the Malta Marriott Resort and Spa in St. Julian’s and would highly recommend it. The bus stop was right outside the door, there were tons of restaurants, and look at this view from the lobby (above)! The only disappointment was that the pools were not open in February but I understand that not everyone is into polar bear swims, haha.

If you want to be in on the action you’ll want to stay in Valletta, Sliema or St. Julian’s, which is all essentially one big urban area along the coast. If you want to stay at a beach resort there are many further down the coast.

Itinerary for a week in Malta

If you are fortunate enough to have a whole week in Malta, here’s what I would recommend, in no particular order:

• Day 1: Arrive, check-in, explore the area around your hotel
• Day 2: Valletta
• Day 3: Mdina, night out in St. Julian’s
• Day 4: Three Cities
• Day 5: Gozo Day Trip
• Day 6: Beach Day in summer or day trip elsewhere
• Day 7: Depart

Discovering Valletta: The Capital City

Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a must-visit destination filled with history, culture, and charm. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local scene is through a food tour, which is a great introduction to Maltese cuisine and culture.

One charming architectural feature you’ll notice everywhere are the enclosed balconies painted in vibrant colors called gallariji. These balconies add character to the buildings and allow more light into rooms, creating a distinctive Maltese streetscape.

A Taste of Malta: Food Tour Highlights

My food tour in Valletta started with a local favorite called pastizzi, a delicious, savory pastry. From there, we sampled Maltese coffee, which is made with chicory, giving it a unique flavor different from typical espresso. The coffee was topped with sambuca for an even more unique taste.

Alongside the coffee, I tried kwareżimal, a traditional sweet treat enjoyed during Lent, and also a honey ring. The tour also included ftira tuna sandwiches and “Kinnie,” a bitter orange soda beloved by locals—definitely an acquired taste but worth trying for the experience.

We rounded off the tour with perfectly cooked ravioli and even horse meat, which is more common in Europe than you might think. The meal ended on a sweet note with a date roll that was simply perfect. For just €55, this 3-hour food tour was an incredible value and a fantastic way to discover Maltese flavors.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

You’ll find over 350 cathedrals across Malta, the highest per capita of any country and a testament to its deeply Catholic heritage.

There are many stunning churches to see, but one of the most famous is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Be prepared to pay an entrance fee of €15 and possibly wait to get inside, as it’s a popular attraction.

The cathedral houses the famous painting, “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist,” a masterpiece of light and shadow. Even if you’re not an art lover, the cathedral’s grandeur and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit.

One emblem you’ll see in the cathedral and repeatedly throughout Malta is the Maltese Cross, the symbol of the Knights of St. John. This cross is featured on the €2 coin and even on the local St. John’s ambulances.

Relaxing at the Upper Barraka Gardens

Before leaving Valletta, take time to visit the Upper Barraka Gardens. This peaceful spot offers shade, beautiful greenery, and some of the best panoramic views of Malta’s harbor. From here, you can watch the daily cannon firing at noon and 4 p.m., a tradition that adds a bit of historic flair to your visit.

If you want to avoid stairs, there’s a free public lift to descend to the harbor, and for just one euro, you can ride it back up—a convenient option for travelers with mobility concerns.

Exploring Mdina: The Silent City

One of Malta’s most unique destinations is Mdina, the historic fortified city often referred to as the “Silent City.” Located centrally on the island at a higher altitude, Mdina was strategically important for defense and remains remarkably well preserved today.

The city is small and quiet, perfect for a half-day visit. I took public transportation there and just walked around the narrow alleys and ramparts, but if I did it again I would probably take a tour because I think I missed a lot, plus having to stand in a crowded bus for an hour wasn’t fun.

One place to stop is the Mdina Experience. It’s a restaurant and small movie theatre that offers a film about the history of Malta. The film was a bit cheesy and outdated, but it was a good way to learn more about the history, which really makes your visit more meaningful.

Mdina has also been a popular filming location, including for the renowned TV series Game of Thrones. Film clips and information at the visitor center make it a fun stop for movie buffs.

The Three Cities: A Step Back in Time

Across the harbor from Valletta lie the Three Cities — three peninsulas that jut out like the prongs of a fork perpendicular to Valletta. These cities, especially Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), are rich in history and charm. Exploring their narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with stunning views and historical sites around every corner.

A highlight of visiting the Three Cities is taking a traditional “dgħajsa” boat ride across the harbor. These small boats, seating about six people, offer a unique and scenic way to travel between Valletta and the Three Cities for just €2. While the ride can feel a bit like a tippy canoe trip, it’s definitely an experience worth trying!

I took this half day tour that included a boat ride and then I declined the transfer back to the hotel and stayed in the city a bit longer to enjoy lunch.

In Birgu, you’ll find a statue in front of St. Lawrence Church commemorating Malta’s independence from Britain, a significant milestone in the country’s modern history.

Thanks to Malta’s Italian influence, gelato is a popular treat on the island. I stopped at a highly-rated gelato shop called Sotto Zero to try some unique flavors like banana toffee and amaretto. If you’re a gelato fan, this is definitely a must-try during your visit.

Gozo Day Trip

Gozo is the second largest island and much greener than Malta. I have a whole post dedicated to my day trip to Gozo where I basically try to convince you to do it. Besides the food tour, my day on Gozo was my favorite part of the trip. You could also consider spending the night on Gozo if you wanted to spend more time there and get closer to nature.

Beach Day in Malta

You deserve at least one day to just kick back and enjoy the beach! Depending on your style, you can go to a hotel beach club, a secluded beach or a beach by boat. Decide if you want free or paid, rocky or sandy and go from there.

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous beach and swimming area in Malta, and is only accessible by boat. You can take a day trip there from Valletta or Sliema. This boat has a great slide!

Additional Tips for Visiting Malta

• Weather: Malta’s summer months are hot and crowded, so consider visiting in the winter or shoulder seasons for a quieter experience.
• Transportation: Public buses are affordable and convenient, but expect delays due to traffic.
• Cultural Awareness: Malta is one of the most Catholic countries globally, with strict laws such as the illegality of abortion. However, it is also recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations, with constitutional protections against discrimination.
• Entrance Fees: Many tourist sites and museums have high entrance fees, so budget accordingly.
• Currency: Malta uses the Euro, and you can pay by card at most places.

Final Thoughts: Why Malta Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

I hope this post has helped you figure out what to see in Malta in seven days. Malta is a remarkable destination that offers an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in a compact, accessible package. Where else can you go and feel like you really saw a whole country in a week?

Its small size means you can explore extensively without long travel times, and its rich history—from the Knights of St. John to British colonial influences—adds depth to every corner. Plus, the friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning landscapes make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Happy travels, and enjoy your week in Malta!