Comprehensive 8-Day Malta Itinerary: National Aquarium, Blue Lagoon, Grand Harbour & More

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Valletta, Malta on July 2, 2025

1:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Arrive at your hotel in Valletta, settle in and get ready for your Maltese adventure.
Variable, 1h

2:30pm

Light Walk Around Valletta

Familiarise yourself with the capital city by taking a gentle stroll through the historic streets and admiring its baroque architecture.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nenu The Artisan Baker

Enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine in a cosy setting, particularly try the Ftira (Maltese sandwich). Open from 12pm to 11pm.
EUR 25, 1h30m

Day 2: Valletta & Grand Harbour

Valletta, Malta on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffe Cordina

Start your day with a classic Maltese breakfast, including pastizzi and coffee in this iconic café near the city gates. Opens at 7am.
EUR 10, 1h

9:30am

Grand Harbour Tour

Take a harbour cruise around Grand Harbour to explore its forts, historic docks, and stunning views of Valletta from the water. Tours typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and operate from 9am to 6pm.
EUR 20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trabuxu Bistro

Relax with Mediterranean flavours and local wines in this charming bistro open from 12pm to 3pm.
EUR 20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral

Discover the stunning baroque interior and Caravaggio masterpieces in this 16th-century cathedral open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR 15, 1h

3:30pm

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and relax among beautifully landscaped gardens.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Valletta Social Club

A vibrant restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean dishes, open until 11pm.
EUR 30, 1h30m

Day 3: National Aquarium & Surrounds

Qawra, Malta on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up with a light breakfast before heading out to the north coast for the aquarium visit.
EUR 10, 1h

9:30am

National Aquarium Malta

Explore Malta’s largest aquarium featuring Mediterranean marine life and themed exhibits. Open 9am to 6pm.
EUR 15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby Fontanella Tea Garden

Enjoy stunning views alongside delicious cakes and sandwiches, famous for its large portions and pleasant ambiance. Open from 8am to 6pm.
EUR 15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the nearby St Paul’s Bay Promenade

Relax and walk along the seaside promenade, taking in views of the Mediterranean.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Valletta

Head back to your base to rest or explore nearby Valletta long streets at your leisure.
Transport EUR 10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rubino Restaurant

Savour traditional Maltese dishes prepared from family recipes in this charming restaurant. Open 6:30pm to 11pm.
EUR 30, 1h30m

Day 4: Blue Lagoon & Gozo Island

Gozo & Comino, Malta on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast to prepare for a full day of island exploration.
EUR 15, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Gozo

Catch the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo (approx 25 minutes).
EUR 5, 0h30m

9:15am

Explore Gozo’s Citadel in Victoria

Visit the historic fortified city, offering panoramic views and museums. Accessible from 9am to 5pm.
EUR 10, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Comino

Boat from Gozo to Comino island to visit Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkelling.
EUR 15, 0h30m

12:00pm

Blue Lagoon

Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters and relax on the white sandy beaches. Best visited in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds. Open all day.
Free, 3h

3:00pm

Return to Valletta

Boat back to Gozo, then ferry to Malta and transfer to Valletta.
EUR 20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Harbour Club, Valletta

Enjoy fine dining with harbour views, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine. Open from 6pm to 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m

Day 5: Mdina & Rabat

Mdina & Rabat, Malta on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina

Savour breakfast with exceptional views over Malta’s countryside. Open from 8am.
EUR 15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Mdina

Walk through the Silent City’s narrow streets, visit St Paul’s Cathedral and Mdina bastions. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR 10, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Rabat’s Catacombs

Discover intricate Roman and early Christian catacombs such as St Paul’s Catacombs open 9am to 5pm.
EUR 6, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ta’ Doni Restaurant

Taste local delicacies in this well-reviewed eatery in Rabat. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR 20, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Valletta

After lunch, head back to Valletta for some leisure time or further exploration.
Transport EUR 10, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Palazzo Preca

Experience Maltese fine dining with a seafood focus in a charming setting open till 11pm.
EUR 35, 1h30m

Day 6: Beach Day Mellieħa Bay

Mellieħa, Malta on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start your day with breakfast before heading to the beach.
EUR 10, 1h

9:30am

Beach Time at Mellieħa Bay

Relax on Malta’s largest sandy beach, swim in the calm waters, and enjoy various water sports facilities. Open all day.
Free, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Paradise Bay Beach Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a beachfront location. Open midday till late afternoon.
EUR 25, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Valletta

Travel back to Valletta for the evening.
Transport EUR 15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guzé Bistro

Indulge in authentic Maltese dishes with a cosy ambiance. Open till 10:30pm.
EUR 30, 1h30m

Day 7: Marsaxlokk & St Peter’s Pool

Marsaxlokk, Malta on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for a full day out.
EUR 10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

Explore the colourful harbour, browse local markets, and enjoy the authentic village atmosphere.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Head to St Peter’s Pool

Swim and relax in this natural swimming pool with crystal-clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and snorkelling. Open all day.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Nostra Padrona

Enjoy freshly caught seafood in Marsaxlokk harbour area. Open from noon.
EUR 30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Valletta

Travel back for your final evening.
Transport EUR 15, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Rampila Restaurant

Dine within historic city walls with Mediterranean dishes, perfect for your last night. Open till 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m

Day 8: Departure Day

Valletta, Malta on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Pack Up

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and prepare for checkout.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Hotel Checkout and Transfer to Airport

Depart from your hotel and travel to Malta International Airport for your flight.
Transport EUR 20, 30m