3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Malta

  • Day 1: Valletta
    Approximately 15 minutes by car from Malta International Airport

    Valletta is the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's history by visiting St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace, and the National Museum of Archaeology. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take a stroll down Republic Street, the main shopping area.

  • Day 2: Mellieħa
    Approximately 30 minutes by car from Valletta

    Mellieħa is a coastal town located in the north of Malta. Spend a day at Mellieħa Bay, one of Malta's most popular beaches. You can also visit the nearby Red Tower, a 17th-century watchtower that provides panoramic views of the area. For families with children, Popeye Village, a theme park based on the 1980 musical film Popeye, is a must-visit.

  • Day 3: Gozo
    Approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Ċirkewwa

    Gozo is Malta's sister island and a great destination for a day trip. Visit the Ġgantija temples, one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world, and the Citadella, a medieval fortress in the heart of Victoria, Gozo's capital city. You can also relax on the island's beautiful beaches or explore the countryside on foot, by bike, or by jeep.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral (1-2 hours, €10)
  • Grandmaster's Palace (1-2 hours, €8)
  • National Museum of Archaeology (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens (30-60 minutes, free)
  • Republic Street (1-2 hours, varies)
  • Mellieħa Bay (4-5 hours, free)
  • Red Tower (1-2 hours, €2)
  • Popeye Village (2-3 hours, €16 for adults, €13 for children)
  • Ġgantija temples (1-2 hours, €9)
  • Citadella (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Beach relaxation (2-3 hours, free)
  • Countryside exploration (3-4 hours, €20 for bike rental, €60 for jeep rental)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €78-€98 per person

Transportation

Public transportation in Malta is affordable and reliable, but for maximum flexibility, we recommend renting a car. Expect to pay around €35-€50 per day for car rental. Ferry service to Gozo operates daily from Ċirkewwa, and tickets cost €4.65 per person each way. Taxis are also an option, but they tend to be more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Mdina, a fortified city known as the "Silent City" for its peaceful atmosphere. The Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural swimming pool on the island of Comino, is another popular tourist destination. If you have less time, skip Mellieħa and Gozo and spend a day exploring the Three Cities, a group of historic fortified cities located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.

Airports

Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport in Malta. It is located 5 km south of Valletta and serves a variety of airlines, including Air Malta, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

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