Malta Island Highlights in March 2027

Morning

Start at Triton Fountain, just outside City Gate, around 8:30–9:00, when Valletta is still pleasantly quiet. Take your time crossing the pedestrian approach and into the city; the fountain and modern gateway make a striking contrast with the old limestone streets beyond. From here, walk straight along Republic Street to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Allow about 90 minutes for the richly gilded interior, the Caravaggio paintings, and the quiet side chapels. It usually opens around 9:30 on weekdays, but confirm the 2027 schedule before going; modest clothing is required, and admission is roughly €15, often including the cathedral museum and oratory.

Continue through the lanes to MUŻA in the Auberge d’Italie on Old Mint Street, allowing another 1–1½ hours. The collection is arranged thematically, so it rewards an unhurried look rather than trying to see every room. It generally opens from late morning, with admission usually around €10; check the museum’s official site for exact March hours. For lunch, walk a few minutes to Nenu the Artisan Baker on Old Bakery Street. Order a traditional ftira or another Maltese specialty—this is a good place to try local food without turning lunch into a long formal meal. Budget about €20–35 per person, and reserve if you want a table at the busiest lunchtime hour.

Afternoon and Late Day

After lunch, wander downhill toward Upper Barrakka Gardens at Castille Place. The terraces are ideal for a pause and offer broad views across the Grand Harbour, Birgu, and the other harbor towns. Entry is free; the gardens are open daily, though the lift connection down toward the waterfront may have separate operating hours. From there, walk through St. James’ Ditch to the entrance for Lascaris War Rooms, allowing roughly 90 minutes for the underground tunnels and wartime command rooms. Wear comfortable shoes—the passages can be uneven and cool even in March. Admission is commonly around €15–20, and advance booking is sensible if the timed tours are operating. Leave some flexibility afterward to browse Valletta’s side streets rather than adding another formal stop; most central sights are within a 10–15-minute walk of one another.

Morning

Begin at Birgu Waterfront, where the marina is at its calmest and the traditional luzzu boats sit against the honey-colored fortifications. Allow about 45 minutes for an easy stroll toward the tip of the peninsula, then continue into Fort St. Angelo. Set aside roughly two hours here: the ramparts and restored interiors are best enjoyed slowly, with excellent views across the Grand Harbour toward Valletta and Senglea. Opening hours can vary by season, but the fort generally opens in the morning; expect admission of roughly €10–€15 and wear shoes with a good grip on the sloping stone surfaces.

Walk back through Birgu’s quiet lanes to the Inquisitor’s Palace, a compact but absorbing visit of about an hour. Its rooms explain the workings of the Inquisition while also revealing how an imposing institutional building functioned as a residence. Check the Heritage Malta schedule before going, as March hours can include a shortened day or occasional closure; admission is usually around €6–€8. From there, continue uphill toward Couvre Porte, the fortified landward entrance to Birgu. The gateways and defensive lines take only about 30 minutes, but they make the city’s strategic layout much easier to understand.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, settle in at Osteria VE, keeping around 90 minutes for its modern Maltese and Mediterranean cooking. A meal usually runs about €30–€50 per person before drinks, and booking is sensible if you want a particular time. Afterward, take a relaxed walk toward Kalkara Marina—roughly 15–20 minutes from Birgu, depending on your route—and finish around Villa Bighi. The waterfront is notably quieter than Birgu’s main sights, with open views back toward the harbor and Valletta; allow about an hour and stay for the softer late-afternoon light. If you are returning by public transport, walk back toward the Birgu/Bormla side for buses, or use a Bolt taxi directly from Kalkara, where service can be less frequent.

Morning

Arrive at Howard Gardens around 9:00, using the quiet landscaped approach as a gentle lead-in to Mdina. Allow about 45 minutes to follow the paths and pause for views toward the eastern side of Malta before walking uphill to Mdina Gate. The old city is best explored before the midday groups arrive: pass through the gate, wander along Villegaignon Street, and spend roughly 1½ hours taking in the limestone lanes and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral generally opens in the morning, though hours can vary around services; admission is usually about €10 and modest dress is required.

Continue on foot to Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, a particularly atmospheric stop on Villegaignon Street. Set aside about an hour for the medieval house, its collection of paintings, furniture, and curiosities, and the small courtyard. Check the museum’s March opening schedule before setting out, as it is commonly closed on some weekdays and last admission is earlier than closing time. From here, it is only a few minutes’ walk to Fontanella Tea Garden along the bastions. Have coffee, cake, or lunch on the terrace—roughly €10–25 per person—and choose a table facing the broad view over the island; go a little before noon if you want the best chance of sitting outside.

Afternoon and late afternoon

After lunch, walk down from Mdina toward Rabat, following the signed route toward St. Paul’s Catacombs; allow about 15–20 minutes, or use a short Bolt ride if you would rather save your legs. The catacombs are an excellent cooler-weather afternoon visit, with roughly 1½ hours needed for the underground chambers and early-Christian burial complex. Wear shoes with decent grip and bring a light layer—the subterranean passages can feel noticeably cool even in March. Finish at Domvs Romana, about a 10-minute walk away near the edge of Rabat, for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics and household artifacts. Allow an hour, and check the heritage-site timetable before leaving; most visitors should aim to arrive by mid-afternoon so there is no worry about last admission. Afterward, leave room for an unhurried walk through Rabat’s quieter lanes or a coffee near St. Paul’s Street rather than adding another major sight.

Morning

Arrive in the Buskett Gardens area around 8:30–9:00, when the woodland is cool, quiet, and at its greenest after winter rains. Spend about 90 minutes wandering the shaded paths around Verdala Palace—the palace itself is not generally open to casual visitors, but the gardens are the real attraction. From here, take a short taxi or drive toward the rural lanes near Girgenti Palace for broad views across Malta’s fields and valleys. The palace grounds are not open for touring, so treat this as a scenic viewpoint stop rather than an interior visit; allow around 30 minutes and avoid blocking the narrow country roads.

Continue toward the coast for a late-morning walk along Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest coastal plateau. Follow the paved and rough cliff-top paths for about 90 minutes, keeping well back from the edge, as there are few barriers in places and the limestone can be uneven. March is usually ideal for this landscape—bright, breezy, and covered with fresh spring growth—but bring a light waterproof layer and sturdy shoes. If visibility is good, you may see Filfla offshore.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at The Cliffs Restaurant, a convenient, relaxed stop near the cliff route. Allow roughly an hour and budget €20–35 per person for Maltese-Mediterranean dishes; call ahead if you want a particular table, as opening hours can vary outside the main season. Afterward, walk or take a very short taxi ride to St. Mary Magdalene Chapel, the small white chapel perched dramatically above the sea. It is generally viewed from outside, and the exposed setting is especially atmospheric in the afternoon light—allow about 30 minutes.

Finish with a quieter rural walk through the Fawwara area near Siġġiewi, following the agricultural lanes and open countryside for around 90 minutes. This is the least structured part of the day, so use it to slow down rather than chase a fixed landmark; stay on established paths, especially after rain, and carry water because there are no reliable facilities along the route. Arrange a Bolt or taxi pickup in advance from a clear meeting point near the main road, as rural availability can be patchy in late afternoon.

Morning

Allow Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola as the anchor for the day, arriving by about 8:45 for your reserved morning entry. The underground tour lasts roughly 1½ hours and is one of Malta’s most remarkable experiences, but tickets are strictly timed and often sell out well ahead; standard admission is about €35, with reduced rates sometimes available. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer—the interior is cool and damp. Afterward, take a short taxi ride or roughly a 15-minute walk to the Tarxien Temples, where an hour is enough to see the megalithic courts, spiraling carvings, and sheltered stonework. The site usually opens from around 9:00, though verify 2027 hours before setting out; admission is generally around €6–8.

Lunch and Afternoon

From Tarxien, a Bolt or taxi to Marsaxlokk takes about 10–15 minutes; buses are possible but slower and less convenient with the day’s timing. Begin at the Marsaxlokk Waterfront, strolling along the harbor to admire the brightly painted luzzu boats and watch the morning catch being handled around the working quays. For lunch, settle at Tartarun Fish Restaurant, ideally reserving ahead or arriving early, since tables overlooking the harbor are popular even outside summer. Expect around €30–50 per person for seafood, depending on the day’s catch. After lunch, continue by taxi toward St. Peter’s Pool on the Delimara Peninsula—the final approach is uneven, so sturdy shoes are preferable. In March, treat the inlet as a viewpoint rather than a swimming stop unless the sea is exceptionally calm and you are comfortable with cold water; there are no reliable facilities here.

Late Afternoon

Finish at Delimara Lighthouse, a short drive or a longer walk from St. Peter’s Pool, depending on the exact access conditions. Give yourself about 45 minutes to enjoy the open limestone landscape and views back across Marsaxlokk Bay, with the late-afternoon light often picking out the fishing village and headland beautifully. The peninsula is exposed, so carry water and a windproof layer; avoid lingering on cliff edges in strong winds, and check sunset time and local access conditions before going.

Morning

After the early transfer to Gozo, aim to reach Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra around 10:00. Allow about 90 minutes to follow the archaeological paths and museum displays; these are among the oldest freestanding monumental structures in the world, and the scale is easiest to appreciate before the midday sun. The site generally opens from around 9:00, with admission typically about €10–€12; confirm 2027 hours and tickets before leaving, as winter schedules can vary. A taxi from Mġarr is the simplest connection, while buses are cheaper but less convenient for fitting both Xagħra sites into the morning.

Walk or take a very short taxi ride to Ta’ Kola Windmill, usually open from roughly 9:00 to 17:00 in winter. Set aside 45 minutes to see the restored machinery and compact domestic rooms, which give a more intimate sense of traditional Gozitan life than the larger archaeological site. The two attractions are close enough to combine comfortably, but bring water and wear shoes with decent grip—the paths around Xagħra can be uneven.

Lunch and Afternoon

Continue to Ta’ Rikardu in Victoria, preferably by taxi for a journey of about 10–15 minutes. Set aside an hour for a relaxed Gozitan lunch built around local produce; expect approximately €20–€35 per person. It is a good place to try Gozitan cheeselets, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and seasonal pasta or rabbit, but check the kitchen’s opening time before setting out, particularly in March. Afterwards, walk uphill into the Cittadella, allowing around two hours for the ramparts, cathedral area, and museums. Admission to individual museums is commonly modest, while the fortified streets and viewpoints can be enjoyed freely; the hilltop is exposed, so a light jacket is useful even on a sunny day.

Late Afternoon

Finish in Victoria’s old town at St. George’s Basilica, about a 10-minute downhill walk from the Citadel. Give yourself 45 minutes to look at the lavish marble, gilded decoration, and painted ceilings; opening hours can pause around services, so check the door notice and dress respectfully. From here, you can wander a little through the surrounding lanes before taking a taxi back to Mġarr or onward to your accommodation. If returning by ferry, leave Victoria at least 60–75 minutes before the sailing you want—the ride is short, but local traffic and ferry boarding queues can be unpredictable.

Morning

Take bus 330 from Victoria toward Xlendi, allowing roughly 15–25 minutes; buses can be less frequent on Sundays, so check Malta Public Transport before leaving or use a Bolt/taxi if you want an earlier start. Begin at Xlendi Bay with an easy harbor walk beneath the cliffs, then follow the coastal path toward Xlendi Tower. The tower is usually viewed from outside, but the walk is the point: morning light catches the limestone gorge, and the open-water views are particularly good before the breeze strengthens. Wear shoes with decent grip, as some of the path is uneven.

Late Morning & Lunch

From Xlendi, take a taxi or pre-booked Bolt to Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs in Sannat—allow about 15 minutes. Spend around two hours on the plateau paths, keeping well back from the unfenced cliff edge; the countryside is often green in March, with low stone walls and broad views toward the coast. Continue to Il Terrazzo for lunch, budgeting approximately €25–45 per person. A relaxed meal here suits the day better than rushing: reserve ahead if possible, especially for Sunday, and allow about an hour.

Afternoon & Late Afternoon

Arrange a taxi for the scenic transfer to Dwejra Bay in San Lawrenz, roughly 20 minutes from Sannat. Allow about 90 minutes to explore the former Azure Window area, the Inland Sea, and the wave-carved rock formations; boat trips may operate if the sea is calm, but do not build the day around one in March. Finish at Wied il-Għasri, near Żebbuġ, around 20 minutes away. The narrow inlet and surrounding valley are wonderfully quiet late in the day, though the descent can be slippery after rain. Because public transport between these western Gozo sights is awkward, a hired taxi for the afternoon—or a driver for the full route—is worth the cost; arrange your return to Victoria before walking down to the inlet.

Morning

After arriving in Sliema, start quietly at Independence Gardens, a small waterfront green space near Tower Road. Spend about 45 minutes among the palms and open lawns, then continue south along the seafront toward the Sliema Ferries promenade. This is the classic local walk: limestone sea walls, swimmers even in March on warmer days, and wide views across the harbor to Valletta. Allow around an hour, stopping for coffee wherever the promenade appeals; March mornings can be breezy, so bring a light layer.

Late Morning and Early Afternoon

Follow the waterfront south to Tigné Point, an easy 15–20-minute walk from the ferry area. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes at The Point Shopping Mall for browsing and a break indoors if the weather turns showery. Shops generally open around 10:00, though Sunday hours can be shorter, so check the mall’s schedule before relying on particular stores. From the mall, walk a few minutes toward the water to Fort Tigné, where the low, star-shaped fort offers a different perspective back toward Valletta. The exterior and surrounding shoreline are the main attraction; allow about 45 minutes and take care near the exposed edges in windy weather.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, walk back toward central Sliema and settle at Mint Kitchen for fresh, health-focused Mediterranean food—expect approximately €15–30 per person. Afterward, take a bus or Bolt north to Gżira Gardens—usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic—and finish along the Manoel Island waterfront. The relaxed harbor path has views toward the yacht marina and is especially pleasant in the softer afternoon light; allow about 1½ hours, with time to sit by the water before returning to Sliema. If you are catching an onward flight or ferry later, leave a comfortable margin: traffic around Gżira, Msida, and Sliema can slow sharply around the evening commute.