Start your adventure in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. In the morning, explore the fortified city's historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbor. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Archaeology for a glimpse into Malta's ancient history. As the evening sets in, wander through the narrow streets and discover Valletta's vibrant nightlife.
St. John's Co-Cathedral: €10, 2 hours
Upper Barrakka Gardens: Free, 1 hour
National Museum of Archaeology: €5, 2 hours
Restaurants
The Crusty Croissant: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this charming café known for its freshly baked croissants and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 7-10 euros per person.
The Tasty Deli: For lunch, head to this popular deli that serves an array of gourmet sandwiches and salads. Average cost for a meal is about 8-12 euros per person.
La Dolce Vita: Indulge in a memorable dinner at this cozy Italian restaurant offering a variety of traditional pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 15-25 euros per person.
Saturday, December 2: Exploring Valletta
Start your day with an adventurous walk along the Valletta Waterfront, lined with colorful buildings and restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Malta Experience, an audiovisual show that provides an immersive journey through Malta's history. As the evening approaches, take a sunset cruise around the Grand Harbor to admire the city from a different perspective.
Valletta Waterfront: Free, 1 hour
The Malta Experience: €12, 2 hours
Sunset Cruise: €20, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Café Jubilee, located in Valletta. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including traditional Maltese ftira, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee. Breakfast costs around €8 per person.
For lunch, head to The Grassy Hopper, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Valletta. They serve a wide selection of healthy and flavorful dishes, including salads, wraps, and burgers. Lunch costs around €12 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Tarragon, a popular restaurant in Valletta specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy dishes such as grilled seafood, homemade pasta, and locally sourced meats. Dinner costs around €25 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Day Trip to Gozo
Embark on a thrilling ferry ride to the enchanting island of Gozo. In the morning, explore the stunning Azure Window (if it still stands) and the nearby Inland Sea, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. After lunch, visit the ancient Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 3600 BC. End your day by wandering through the charming streets of Victoria, Gozo's capital.
Azure Window: Free, 2 hours
Inland Sea: Free, 2 hours
Ggantija Temples: €9, 2 hours
Restaurants
Aqua Marina: Enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the stunning Xlendi Bay. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Ta' Philip Restaurant: Indulge in traditional Gozitan cuisine for lunch at this charming restaurant. The average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Il-Kartell Restobar: Experience a vibrant dinner atmosphere at this popular restaurant, known for its Mediterranean dishes. The average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Monday, December 4: Gozo's Natural Beauty
Embark on an adventurous hike along the picturesque coastal cliffs of Gozo. Start your morning at the breathtaking Wied il-Mielaħ Window and continue to the secluded Ramla Bay, known for its red sand. In the afternoon, explore the hidden gem of the Ġordan Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the coastline. As the day comes to an end, enjoy a peaceful sunset at Dwejra Bay.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window: Free, 2 hours
Ramla Bay: Free, 2 hours
Ġordan Lighthouse: Free, 1 hour
Dwejra Bay: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Aqua Marina Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Aqua Marina Cafe, located near Wied il-Mielaħ Window. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked pastries, omelettes, and traditional Maltese ftira. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 EUR per person.
Zafiro Restaurant: For lunch, head to Zafiro Restaurant in Ramla Bay. Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine with a stunning view of the red sand beach. Try their seafood dishes or opt for a refreshing salad. Average cost for a meal is about 15-20 EUR per person.
Ta' Doni Restaurant: End your day with a delightful dinner at Ta' Doni Restaurant, situated in Dwejra Bay. This family-run restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and serves traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit stew and freshly caught seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 20-25 EUR per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Discovering Mdina
Travel to Mdina, the "Silent City," in the morning. Explore the ancient streets, visit St. Paul's Cathedral, and admire the panoramic views from the city walls. In the afternoon, delve into Malta's medieval history at the Mdina Dungeons. As the evening sets in, enjoy a quiet dinner at one of the charming restaurants within the medieval walls.
Mdina City Tour: €5, 2 hours
St. Paul's Cathedral: €5, 1 hour
Mdina Dungeons: €10, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Mdina is Fontanella Tea Garden, which offers a wide selection of pastries, cakes, and traditional Maltese treats. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, Trattoria AD 1530 is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Mdina. They serve delicious pasta, seafood, and local specialties. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at de Mondion, a Michelin-starred restaurant situated within the walls of Mdina. They offer a gastronomic Mediterranean experience with stunning views of the island. Average cost for a meal is about €80 per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Outdoor Adventures in the South
Embark on an exciting day of outdoor adventures in the south of Malta. Start your morning with a thrilling quad bike tour through the off-road trails of Dingli Cliffs. In the afternoon, explore the famous Blue Grotto by boat and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. As the day winds down, visit the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, marveling at their ancient megalithic structures.
Quad Bike Tour: €80, 3 hours
Blue Grotto Boat Trip: €8, 2 hours
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples: €10, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Filfla Bakery, located near Dingli Cliffs. This charming bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods, including traditional Maltese pastizzi and ftira bread. Average cost for a meal is about €5 per person.
For lunch, head to La Capanna Restaurant in the village of Zurrieq, close to the Blue Grotto. This family-run restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sea views. Try their seafood risotto or grilled octopus. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
End your day with a delicious dinner at the Diar Il-Bniet Restaurant in the village of Dingli. This rustic farmhouse eatery offers a menu featuring traditional Maltese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss their rabbit stew or beef olives. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Thursday, December 7: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventurous travelers seeking hidden gems, head to the Dingli Cliffs and hike along the scenic coastal trails for breathtaking views. Explore the underground world of the Blue Grotto Caves and take a boat tour to appreciate their natural beauty. For a taste of local cuisine, visit Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of its charming waterfront restaurants.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure seekers, consider exploring the fascinating Blue Grotto Caves, where you can witness the beauty of the crystal-clear waters from below the surface. Additionally, head to the Dingli Cliffs for spectacular panoramic views and exhilarating hiking trails. Finally, make sure to try some traditional Maltese cuisine at local restaurants in Marsaxlokk, known for its fresh seafood dishes.