Collect luggage and clear immigration. Best transport: prebook an airport transfer taxi (flat ~AUD35 one-way) for convenience with luggage, or take the direct bus X4/X2 to Valletta (~AUD3.50).
Caffè Cordina for classic Maltese pastries and a light lunch on Republic Street; Café Jubilee for local pasta and friendly service. Both open from ~9:00am; good introduction to Maltese flavours.
Stroll the terraced gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and Three Cities; Saluting Battery demonstrations commonly around noon and 4:00pm (times can vary in summer). Gardens are open daily.
Visit the richly decorated baroque interior and Caravaggio's 'Beheading of Saint John' — typical opening c. 9:30am–5:00pm (check seasonal hours). Highly recommended for history and art lovers.
Walk or take the short ferry to Sliema for seaside views and an early evening stroll; ferries run frequently and are cheap. Great for a relaxed introduction to Maltese seaside life.
Nenu serves traditional Maltese ftira and regional recipes in a cosy setting; The Harbour Club offers modern Mediterranean with harbour views. Both are popular in July — book ahead. Typical hours: dinner from 6:00pm–10:30pm.
Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café like Café Jubilee (opens ~7:30–8:00am) to fuel for a full day exploring the harbour and Three Cities.
Short scenic ferry across the Grand Harbour (~10–15 minutes). Walk narrow streets, visit Fort St. Angelo (check opening ~9:00am–5:00pm) and enjoy waterfront cafés.
Take a 1–1.5-hour harbour cruise to learn about Malta’s maritime history and get different views of Valletta and the Three Cities; typical departure times mid-morning to late afternoon.
Optional museum visit (Fort St Elmo / National War Museum) or wander Valletta's narrow streets and shops. Museums often open 9:00am–5:00pm; Fort St Elmo entry extra.
Tallinja buses run regularly to Mdina (around 30–45 minutes from Valletta). Mdina is the old capital — walk the Silent City walls and narrow streets. Mdina Gate and the rooftop views are highlights.
Drive or bus to Dingli Cliffs for sunset views (best late afternoon) and stop at Blue Grotto for short glass-bottom/boat trips — small boats operate typically 9:00am–4:00pm depending on sea conditions.
Take a bus or taxi to Cirkewwa (north tip of Malta) and catch the Gozo ferry (frequent service, typically from early morning to late night). Aim for an early ferry to maximise your Gozo day.
The crossing takes ~25 minutes. On arrival you can use Gozo buses, hire a car, or prebook a guided Gozo tour. Buses run frequently from the Gozo terminal.
One of the oldest free-standing stone temples in the world; seasonal opening typically 9:00am–5:00pm. Great for Neolithic history and UNESCO site interest.
Relax at Ramla Bay (red-sand beach) or drive to scenic viewpoints; swimming and sunbathing are best mid-afternoon. Beaches are unsupervised — swim with caution.
Grab breakfast and head to a licensed boat operator at Cirkewwa for a Comino/Blue Lagoon trip; boats typically run 9:00am–6:00pm in July. Book a reputable operator in advance to avoid long queues.
Iconic turquoise waters for swimming and snorkelling; arrive early to avoid the largest crowds. Boats do short stops of 1–3 hours depending on operator; beach facilities are limited.
Fresh grilled fish at the harbour or one of the restaurants lining the bay; enjoy the colourful luzzu boats and market atmosphere. Restaurants open midday and busy on Sundays.
If you still have energy, visit St Peter’s Pool for cliffside swimming (no lifeguards and rocky access). Wear reef shoes and be careful entering the water.
Allow ~30–40 minutes to the airport by taxi from Valletta (traffic dependent). Prebook airport transfer or take an early taxi to ensure timely arrival for international flights.
Complete estimated per-person cost for the 5-night trip (Arrive 15 Jul — Depart 20 Jul 2026) using mid-range flight/hotel/tours and moderate dining. Figures are estimates in AUD — book early for best prices. Conversion used: ~1 EUR = AUD 1.60. Confirm current prices when booking.