10-Day Comprehensive Malta Holiday Itinerary: History, Culture, and Beaches

Day 1: Explore Valletta

Valletta, Malta on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffe Cordina

Start your day with a traditional Maltese breakfast featuring pastizzi and a strong coffee at this iconic café open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral

Explore this stunning Baroque cathedral filled with rich art and history, including Caravaggio's famous painting. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from these beautifully maintained gardens, open daily 7am-9pm, free to enter.
EUR0, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker

Taste authentic Maltese ftira sandwiches in a cozy setting open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

National Museum of Archaeology

Discover Malta's prehistoric treasures and artifacts from the Neolithic period. Open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Valletta Waterfront

Relax by the harbor, enjoy shops and cafes, and admire the historic fortifications, open all day.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rampila

Fine dining inside ancient fortifications with Mediterranean specialties. Open 6pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Mdina and Rabat

Mdina & Rabat, Malta on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden

Enjoy a delightful breakfast and famous cakes with views over Malta’s countryside, open 8am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Explore Mdina Old City

Walk through the Silent City’s narrow streets and visit landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral. Open all day, some sites may charge entry.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Visit St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat

Discover early Christian underground burial sites from the 4th century. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Crystal Palace

A popular local spot offering Maltese dishes with a friendly atmosphere, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Domus Romana Museum

Visit a Roman aristocratic townhouse showcasing mosaics and artifacts, open 9am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Valletta or relax at hotel

Free time to explore or rest.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trabuxu Bistro in Valletta

Cozy bistro offering local specialties with excellent wine pairings, open 6pm-10pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Gozo Island Discovery

Gozo Island, Malta on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before departure.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Ferry to Gozo from Cirkewwa

Take a 25-minute ferry ride to Gozo, check ferry schedule for times.
EUR5, 25m

9:15am

Visit Ġgantija Temples

World Heritage Neolithic temples older than the pyramids, open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

Explore Victoria (Rabat) Citadel

Historic fortified town with museums and stunning views, open 8am-6pm.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ta' Rikardu

Traditional Gozo restaurant serving local dishes like rabbit stew, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ramla Bay

Relax on Gozo’s famous red sandy beach and enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Return ferry to Malta

Catch an evening ferry back to Malta.
EUR5, 25m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gululu in Valletta

Enjoy Maltese seafood specialties in a lively setting, open 6pm-10:30pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Comino Island Adventure

Comino Island, Malta on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast before day trip.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon

Enjoy crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling; check boat operators for times, generally 9am-5pm.
EUR25, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic or at Comino Cafe

Light refreshments available at the small cafe or bring a picnic to enjoy on the island.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Comino walking trails

Hike to Santa Marija Tower and scenic viewpoints for breathtaking views.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return boat to Malta

Boat transfers back to the mainland.
Included, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Harbour Club, Valletta

Stylish restaurant with views over the water featuring Mediterranean cuisine, open 6pm-11pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto

Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto, Malta on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sunrise Deck, Marsaxlokk

Relaxed breakfast on the waterfront with fresh coffee and pastries, open 7am-2pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village Market

Visit the vibrant Sunday fish market (open Sunday mornings) and admire colorful fishing boats.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Boat tour to Blue Grotto

Explore sea caves with stunning blue waters; tours operate 9am-5pm and last about 30 minutes.
EUR10, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Nostra Padrona

Seaside restaurant famous for fresh seafood and Maltese specialties, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ġar Dagħnes Cave and walkers trail

Short hike with scenic views near the Blue Grotto area.
EUR0, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Valletta

Relax during the return trip.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Palazzo Preca, Valletta

Elegant dining serving a fusion of Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine, open 6pm-10pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Sliema & St. Julian's Leisure

Sliema & St. Julian's, Malta on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mint

Trendy café serving healthy options and coffee, open 7am-3pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Stroll along Sliema Promenade

Scenic seaside walk with shops, cafes, and beaches, ideal for morning relaxation.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Visit Fort Tigné

Historical fort offering interesting architecture and views, open daily, free entry.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Chophouse

Upscale dining focused on meat and seafood with panoramic views, open 12pm-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at St. George's Bay, St. Julian's

Sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports at the popular beach area.
EUR0, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Barracuda Restaurant

Fine seafood dining in an elegant setting near Balluta Bay, open 6pm-11pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 7: Explore Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua, Malta on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden (Mdina)

Optional detour for a famous pastry and coffee or local alternative in Vittoriosa.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Guided walking tour of Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Learn about the Knights of St. John at Fort St. Angelo and the historic marina. Tour generally 9am-1pm.
EUR20, 2h

11:30am

Inquisitor’s Palace visit

Discover this historic palace museum revealing Malta’s inquisitorial past, open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Don Berto Ristorante

Cozy, family-run Italian-Maltese restaurant in Vittoriosa, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Ferry ride to Senglea and Cospicua

Short traditional boat ride (dgħajsa) between the cities and scenic strolls.
EUR5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Valletta

Relax before dinner.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Legligin Wine Bar, Valletta

Intimate spot to enjoy local wines and small plates, open 6pm-10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Beaches & Nature

Mellieha & Golden Bay, Malta on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Red Apple Restaurant, Mellieha

Casual spot offering a good breakfast menu, open 7am-1pm.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Relax at Golden Bay Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing on one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches, open all day.
EUR0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Surfside Mellieha

Beachfront restaurant known for fresh fish, open 12pm-6pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mellieha Parish Church and Red Tower

Explore Malta’s highest parish church and the nearby historic watchtower, open all day free entry.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel for rest

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ta' Kolina

Family-style Maltese dining in Mellieha village, open 6pm-10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 9: Temples & History

Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples, Malta on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a substantial breakfast before a day of exploring ancient history.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ħaġar Qim Temples

Ancient megalithic temples dating back to 3600-3200 BC, open 9am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Mnajdra Temples

Nearby prehistoric temple complex featuring impressive architecture, open 9am-5pm.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Diar Il-Bniet

Countryside farmhouse restaurant offering traditional and organic Maltese cuisine, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit nearby Blue Grotto cliffs for a scenic walk

Enjoy natural coastal beauty and photo opportunities.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel

Relax after a day of archaeology and nature.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ta' Marija, Mgarr

Rustic restaurant serving hearty Maltese recipes, open 6pm-10pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 10: Valletta & Departure

Valletta, Malta on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Piadina Caffe

Light Italian breakfast in the city center, open 7am-3pm.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo

Explore Malta's WWII history and artefacts, open 9am-5pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Last-minute shopping or coffee at a cafe in Republic Street

Relax and pick up souvenirs before departure.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Jubilee

Final taste of Maltese cuisine near city center, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Transfer to Malta International Airport

Allow 30-60 minutes depending on traffic for departure preparations.
EUR20, 1h
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