Comprehensive 17-Day Malta Itinerary: Explore History, Culture, and Coastal Beauty

Day 1: Arrival and Valletta

Valletta, Malta on September 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Cordina

Start your day with traditional Maltese pastries and coffee at this iconic Valletta café, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Upper Barrakka Gardens

Enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbour, a perfect introduction to Malta's capital.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral

Tour this baroque masterpiece with Caravaggio artworks; open 9am-4:30pm with last entry at 4pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker

Experience authentic Maltese dishes like ftira in a cozy historic setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Grandmaster's Palace Tour

Explore the Palace and the Armoury, open from 9am-5pm, to discover Malta’s rich history.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll along Valletta Waterfront

Relax by the harbor dotted with shops and cafes before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rampila Restaurant

Dine within historic fortifications serving Mediterranean cuisine, reservations recommended.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 2: Three Cities and Historical Exploration

Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta on September 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina

Enjoy scenic views paired with cakes and tea in the Silent City, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Short ferry or bus ride from Valletta to the historic Three Cities.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:30am

Fort St. Angelo Tour

Visit this key Knights’ fortress offering sweeping views, open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vittoriosa Waterfront

Savor fresh seafood with views of the harbor at La Reggia Restaurant.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Inquisitor's Palace

Explore this museum about Malta’s religious history, open 9am-5pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk Birgu Old Town

Wander the charming streets and visit artisan shops.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tal-Petut Restaurant

Known for traditional Maltese dishes, located in a historic building in Birgu.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 3: Mdina and Rabat Excursion

Mdina, Malta on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden

Famous for cakes and morning views inside the silent city of Mdina, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Mdina city

Walk the medieval streets and visit St. Paul's Cathedral, open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bacchus Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with rooftop views within Mdina’s walls.
EUR28, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat

Explore these ancient Roman underground burial sites, open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

3:30pm

Domus Romana

Tour the Roman villa ruins and mosaics in Rabat, open till 5pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Valletta

Relax and prepare for dinner.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Legligin Wine Bar

Sample local wine and small plates in Valletta’s cozy wine bar.
EUR25, 2h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Gozo

Gozo Island, Malta on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast to-go from Valletta Market

Grab fresh pastries and coffee for your day trip to Gozo.
EUR8, 0h30m

7:30am

Ferry to Gozo

Take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Mgarr, operating frequently from 5am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Ġgantija Temples

Explore these prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage sites, open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Victoria Citadel

Walk this fortified city for history and panoramic views.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ta’ Rikardu in Victoria

Traditional Gozitan cuisine in a charming setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Dwejra Bay and Inland Sea

Enjoy the unique natural formations and sea views.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Ramla Bay Beach

Swim or sunbathe at Gozo’s most famous sandy beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return ferry to Malta

Head back to Malta on the evening ferry.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Valletta Waterfront

Casual dining by the harbor at Churchill's Bar, open till late.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Southern Coast and Beach Day

Marsaxlokk and St. Peter’s Pool, Malta on September 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Jubilee in Valletta

Enjoy a hearty Maltese breakfast to fuel the day.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

Explore the colourful market and waterfront, best in the morning, open from 7am.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk along Marsaxlokk promenade

View traditional luzzu boats and enjoy seaside ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tartarun Restaurant

Seafood-focused cuisine with fresh local catch in Marsaxlokk, open noon to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Swim at St. Peter's Pool

Relax and swim in this natural rocky pool, perfect for an afternoon dip.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Blue Grotto

Take a boat tour to see stunning sea caves, tours run 9am-5pm, weather-permitting.
EUR10, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Valletta

Head back to the city for evening activities.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rubino

Try classic Maltese food in a cozy Valletta restaurant open till 10pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 6: Northern Coast and Outdoor Adventure

Mellieħa and Golden Bay, Malta on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Punta Cross, Mellieħa

Enjoy breakfast with seaside views, opens 7am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Mellieħa Parish Church

Explore this beautiful hilltop church with panoramic views.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower)

Visit Malta's iconic coastal watchtower overlooking the sea.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Commando Restaurant, Golden Bay

Relax with Mediterranean cuisine just a short walk from the beach.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Swim and sunbathe at Golden Bay Beach

Spend the afternoon at one of Malta’s best sandy beaches.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Hike from Golden Bay to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Enjoy scenic coastal walks on marked trails offering beautiful views.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Return to Valletta

Head back to the city to freshen up for dinner.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sciacca Grill Valletta

Savor grilled meats and seafood, open till 10pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 7: Relaxation and Leisure

Sliema, Malta on September 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mint, Sliema

Modern café with great coffee and breakfast options, opens at 8am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Stroll along Sliema promenade

Enjoy seaside views and visit boutiques and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ta’ Kris Restaurant, Sliema

Traditional Maltese food in a popular local spot.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Spa afternoon at Hotel Phoenicia

Relax with a massage or wellness treatment, appointments recommended.
EUR60, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at The Point Mall

Browse shops for souvenirs and local products.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chophouse, Sliema

Enjoy waterfront dining with steak and fresh seafood.
EUR40, 2h0m
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