Ultimate 3-Week Malta Adventure: Beaches, History & Culture

Day 1: Valletta Exploration

Valletta, Malta on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffe Cordina

Start your day with traditional Maltese pastries and coffee at the iconic Caffe Cordina, located centrally in Valletta. It opens from 7:30am, perfect for an early start.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Explore this magnificent baroque cathedral famous for its Caravaggio paintings and ornate interior. It opens at 9am and admission fee supports its upkeep.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk Upper Barrakka Gardens

Enjoy panoramic views over Valletta’s Grand Harbour and relax in the beautiful gardens, a serene spot perfect for photos and a short stroll.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker

Savour traditional Maltese ftira and freshly baked breads in a cosy setting in Valletta. Open from 12pm for lunch service.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the National Museum of Archaeology

Discover Malta’s rich prehistoric past at the National Museum, housed in a beautiful historic building. Open until 5pm offering engaging exhibits.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Forte Sant’Elmo and the National War Museum

Explore Malta’s military history and stunning sea views within this fortress museum. Open until 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rampila Restaurant

End the day dining on elegant Mediterranean cuisine within a historic fort setting, just outside Valletta’s city walls.
EUR35, 2h

Day 2: Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto

Marsaxlokk & South Malta, Malta on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Jubilee, Valletta

Enjoy a light breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and baked goods before heading out. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Marsaxlokk

Take a scenic 30-minute drive or bus ride to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its vibrant market and colourful boats.
EUR3, 0h45m

10:00am

Marsaxlokk Market

Experience the lively Sunday fish market or explore local crafts and foods (markets run every Sunday mainly, but shops are open daily).
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tartarun Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood with a view of the harbour in one of Marsaxlokk’s top restaurants, perfect for lunch.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Blue Grotto Boat Tour

Take a 30-minute boat trip to explore the spectacular sea caves and crystal-clear waters of Blue Grotto. Tours operate from 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hagar Qim Temples

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric megalithic temple complex nearby, open daily from 9am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Għar Lapsi Restaurant

Taste local Mediterranean cuisine by the sea in this charming setting ideal after a day of exploration.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Mdina & Rabat Heritage

Mdina & Rabat, Malta on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with stunning views over Malta from Mdina’s famous tea garden. They open from 8am but can accommodate early arrivals.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Explore Mdina Old City

Walk the 'Silent City' streets, admire medieval and baroque architecture and visit the Mdina Cathedral (open from 9am).
EUR5, 2h

10:30am

Visit St. Paul's Catacombs, Rabat

Discover early Christian burial sites and Roman-era tombs. The catacombs open from 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Medina Restaurant

Dine in a charming historical setting featuring Mediterranean dishes; located within Mdina walls. Open for lunch from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Domus Romana

See well-preserved Roman mosaics and artifacts in a historic townhouse open 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Walk in Buskett Gardens

Stroll through Malta’s largest woodland area, perfect to relax in nature after a day of history.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Palazzo de Piro

Enjoy fine dining in a palazzo-turned-restaurant with a variety of Mediterranean and Maltese inspired dishes.
EUR35, 2h

Day 4: Gozo Island Adventure

Gozo Island, Malta on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Valletta Accommodation

Grab a quick breakfast before travelling to Gozo by ferry; aim for an early start as ferry cross times begin at 6am.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:00am

Ferry to Gozo

Take the fast ferry from Cirkewwa (Malta) to Mgarr Harbour (Gozo), a scenic 25-minute trip.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Ġgantija Temples

Explore one of the world’s oldest freestanding monuments, UNESCO listed and dating back to 3600 BC. Open daily 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

Explore Victoria and the Citadel

Visit Gozo’s capital city with its historic fortified citadel, museums, and quaint streets. The Citadel is open until 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ta’ Rikardu

Enjoy authentic Gozitan dishes with local ingredients, situated near the Citadel. Open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Ramla Bay

Spend the afternoon on Gozo’s most famous red sandy beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 2h30m

5:30pm

Visit Ta’ Pinu Basilica

Stop at this beautiful pilgrimage basilica near the beach, open until 7pm, known for its serene atmosphere.
Free, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il-Kcina Ghawdxija

Dine on traditional Gozitan specialties in a cosy setting, perfect to end your Gozo day.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return Ferry to Malta

Catch the evening ferry back to Malta. Ferry services run until late evening but check current timetable.
EUR5, 0h30m

Day 5: Relax Mellieha Beaches

Mellieha, Malta on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fontanella Tea Garden, Mellieha

Enjoy breakfast with sea views in Mellieha before a relaxing beach day. Open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Spend the Morning at Mellieha Bay

Relax on Malta’s largest sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rebekah’s Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the bay, open from noon offering a wide variety of options.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Popeye Village

Explore the colourful film set-turned-theme park from the 1980 movie Popeye, great for photos and fun. Open daily 10am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Walk in Ghadira Nature Reserve

Enjoy bird watching and peaceful nature trails beside Mellieha Bay.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Surfside Bar & Grill

Relax with Mediterranean dishes and sunset views near the beach in Mellieha.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Northern Coast & St Paul’s Bay

St. Paul’s Bay, Malta on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Comunita Café, Bugibba

Start the day with freshly made pastries and coffee in a popular local spot. Opens 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat

Explore ancient Roman burial grounds and early Christian catacombs nearby. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Explore Qawra Promenade

Walk along the picturesque coast with cafes and shops, perfect to soak up local life and seaside views.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Il-Merill

Dine on fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine just by the sea in Bugibba, open from noon.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Malta National Aquarium

Discover local and exotic marine species in the modern aquarium open 10am-6:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at St Paul’s Bay Beach

Unwind by the sea with swimming or a quiet walk.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tuscany Il-Forni

Enjoy Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a cosy setting within St Paul’s Bay.
EUR30, 2h

Day 7: Comino and Blue Lagoon

Comino, Malta on July 19, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up early for a day trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, arriving early to beat the crowds.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Boat Trip to Comino Island

Take a ferry or private boat from Cirkewwa or Mellieha to Comino. Boat stations typically open from 9am, so plan to arrive slightly after 9am.
EUR15, 0h30m

9:30am

Swim and Snorkel at Blue Lagoon

Spend the morning swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, famous for its beauty and ideal snorkelling.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Comino Café

Enjoy light snacks and drinks at the island café, offering refreshments close to the lagoon.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Santa Marija Tower

Visit the historic coastal watchtower on Comino with panoramic views; open spaces to explore with no entry fee.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return Boat to Malta

Catch an afternoon boat back to the main island and relax at your accommodation.
EUR15, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Mosta

Relish traditional Maltese home cooking in a rustic farmhouse atmosphere near Mellieha. Open from 6pm.
EUR30, 1h30m