Start the day with a visit to the Blue Grotto, located on the south coast of Malta. Take a boat tour to explore the stunning sea caves and crystal-clear waters. Next, head to the Marsaxlokk Fishing Village for a delicious local seafood lunch and to enjoy the colorful traditional boats.
Begin the day at the heart of the island in Valletta with a walking tour of the historic city and its highlights, such as the St. John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Casa Rocca Piccola. For lunch, try some traditional Maltese pastizzi at Café Cordina before heading to the charming old town of Mdina, known as the 'Silent City', encircled by impressive medieval walls. Explore its ancient streets, admire the views and sites from top of bastion walls, then enjoy a glass of Maltese wine at Gianpula Village before heading back to St. Julian's.
Take the ferry over to Gozo Island from Cirkewwa Terminal and explore the stunning island filled with natural beauty and ancient history. First, visit the Azure Window (or Inland Sea), where you can witness unique rock formations carved by the power of the sea. After, visit the Ggantija Temples, an impressive prehistoric temple complex, followed by a visit to the charming fishing village of Xlendi Bay for leisurely seaside seafood lunch with a beautiful view. End the day by sunbathing and swimming in the beautiful waters at the Ramla Bay Beach.
Public buses are a budget-friendly transportation option in Malta; however, there is no direct route from Valletta or St. Julian's to the Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk, which may require using the taxi. To explore Gozo Island, renting a car or taking a shared tour is recommended.
For those with more time, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta, such as the Hypogeum or Hagar Qim Temples; or visit the neighboring island of Comino for a peaceful getaway. For those with less time, shorten the itinerary by combining Day 1 and Day 3.
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in Luqa, just 5 miles from Valletta, the capital city. Several international airlines have direct flights to Malta from major cities around the world.