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A week in Malta Itinerary | Malta Travel Guide [2023]

I just loved Malta! I flew over to this wonderful island back in July and since returning I haven’t stopped talking about it to everyone I speak to. Spending a week in Malta is the perfect amount of time. But what to do in Malta during your time of this magical island?

Everyone is saying how amazing it looked in the photos and to be honest, the photos didn’t do this place justice. Malta is beautiful and I urge you to add it to your bucket list right now.

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. It’s a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British.
 
Malta has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C.

Since visiting Malta in July it has quickly crept up my ‘favourites’ list. There is simply so much to see and do in this wonderfully historic country, from its beautiful cliff edges, to stunning architecture, and friendly locals to clear waters, it is an island with many sides. 

Theo and I flew out to Malta at the beginning of the summer holidays with the little one to spend a week here, and we were delighted with what we found. Another wonderful country added to my list…

But this island is tiny, and with a population of about 475,000, Malta is the world’s tenth smallest country in the area making it an amazing island to explore over the space of a week in Malta. 

Here is my itinerary for a week in Malta…

a week in malta valetta

A week in Malta Itinerary

10 Things to do in one week in Malta

  1. Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon
  2. Popeye Village
  3. Valletta and the Three Cities
  4. Mdina and Rabat
  5. Sliema and St Julian’s
  6. Mellieha and Mellieha Bay
  7. Ħaġar Qim
  8. Blue Grotto
  9. Gozo and The Citadel
  10. Dingli Cliffs

Find out more here.

 

How to get to Malta

The most convenient and efficient way for us was to fly to Malta with Jet2 Holidays and everything about flying with Jet2 was easy and simple. From the moment we booked the flights from East Midlands via Jet2.com, right down to a landing in Malta and getting on our transfer, we got incredible customer service. We were really impressed with the service and would recommend flying with them to all of my readers! 

We went on a package holiday so I am not sure how much flights are individually, but I believe they are about £80 for a return flight to Malta with Jet2 Holidays. A family holiday for four to Malta with Jet2 Holidays with flights and transfers included is about £1,200 in a 4* hotel in Sliema in September. Use this Malta itinerary for your dream trip!

 

a week in malta popeyes village

When is the best time to visit Malta

We used the Jet2.com website to look at when was best for us to fly and how to get cheaper flights. By booking with Jet2 Holidays, it also gave us all the information we needed including when to go, temperatures, where was best to stay and what was included.

August was blooming hot, and a lot of the time it was too hot for Arabella too. We spent our days running from the sun, into cafes and places with shade as it was simply too hot. I would recommend visiting Malta between April – June or September – November, as the weather will have cooled down by then and the school holidays won’t be in session so it’ll be a lot less busy in the cities and restaurants for your Malta itinerary. A week in Malta is more than enough time to explore. 

Weather in Malta

  • Weather in Malta in January – Temperature min. 10 – max. 15
  • Weather in Malta in February – Temperature min. 9 – max. 15
  • Weather in Malta in March – Temperature min. 10 – max. 17
  • Weather in Malta in April – Temperature min. 12 – max. 19
  • Weather in Malta in May – Temperature min. 15 – max. 23
  • Weather in Malta in June – Temperature min. 19 – max. 27
  • Weather in Malta in July – Temperature min. 21 – max. 30
  • Weather in Malta in August – Temperature min. 22 – max. 31
  • Weather in Malta in September – Temperature min. 21 – max. 28
  • Weather in Malta in October – Temperature min. 17 – max. 24
  • Weather in Malta in November – Temperature min. 14 – max. 20
  • Weather in Malta in December – Temperature min. 11 – max. 17

 

How to get around in Malta

Travel by bus I hear you scream?!

Yes, I had exactly the same thoughts when multiple recommend to me that getting the bus in Malta would be far less money and more efficient when we visited in July.  I haven’t been on a bus in years, and the last time I spend extended periods of time on a bus was when I couldn’t drive and wanted to go and see my friends every weekend. However, after doing lots and lots of research I decided we wouldn’t hire a car in Malta (it’s expensive, at around £30-£40 a day) and instead give this famous bus network a go! And I was surprisingly delighted…

Pretty much everywhere in Malta can be reached by bus – honestly, it’s true. After the legendary yellow buses were retired in 2011, a fleet of modern vehicles run by British company Arriva were introduced to connect every single town, village and hamlet within the island. Travel by bus will work well with this Malta itinerary. It’s more than possible to do a week in Malta by bus. 

READ MORE: Travel by bus around Malta

a week in malta what to do in valetta

A week in Malta Itinerary

What to do in Malta

A country close to my heart, The Republic of Malta, is a group of three tiny islands (well seven technically), Malta, Gozo and Comino, with a population of over 450,000. Due to its location in the Med, Malta has hot weather all year round, beautifully clean waters and some incredible prehistoric sites across the island. The republic is also famous for the beautiful waters of The Blue Lagoon.

It was also an important naval base throughout history and there are an array of museums and exhibitions to showcase this for visitors. It also has some of the best beaches in Europe! A week in Malta is just enough time to explore this amazing island. 

Malta was made more famous in recent years, since appearing in the HBO TV programme Game of Thrones, and many of it’s iconic landmarks making their way on to our screens, including Mdina Gate or King’s Landing Gate, Fort Ricasoli, the Red Keep Gate, and the Azure Window, where the marriage of Daenerys and Drogo took place, however it did collapse in 2017. 

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom as a Commonwealth realm in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. Malta is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the only microstate to be a full member of the European Union, making is an iconic country of the smallest country in Europe

 

Malta Itinerary Day 1 – Flight to Malta and exploring Mellieha

After an early flight from East Midlands airport to Malta with Jet2 Holidays, once we arrived all we wanted to do was relax. We checked in to our room and then spent the rest of our first day by the pool at the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa and exploring our local area, Mellieha.

This is where we based ourselves during our week-long trip to Malta, staying at the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa. Mellieħa is a large village or small town in the Northern Region of Malta and has a population of 10,087. Mellieħa is a tourist resort, popular for its sandy beaches and natural environment, and is split into three areas; Mellieha (old town), Mellieha Heights (on the hill overlooking the Bay) and Mellieha Bay (where you will find most hotels and restaurants). 

Malta Itinerary Day 2 – Popeye Village 

After a couple of days into our a week in Malta we decided to jump on a bus from Mellieha and go visit the famous local attraction, Popeye Village.

Located in Anchor bay and just a short journey from Mellieha by bus, the village includes the original film set from the 1980’s film which starred the legendary actor Robin Williams, and the new addition to the village is the inflatable obstacle course which was a big hit with both children and adults!

This beautiful cove is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions with most of the film set still intact. This is one of the best what to do in Malta. 

But how to get to popeye village Malta?! From Valetta, use the bus service specifically bus 42 from Valletta, Bus 221 from St. Paul’s Bay, Bus 222 from Sliema or St. Julian’s or Bus X1 from the airport.

Read my full post on visiting here.

 

Malta Itinerary Day 3 – Valletta and the Three Cities

During your a week in Malta, you’ve got to visit the countries capital Valletta at least once. This stunning, yet small city is memorable and exceptional, from the cafes dotted along its white stone streets, to the views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, everything about this city is stunning and it’s a must-visit if you are in Malta. But what to do in Valletta?!

Since visiting Malta in July it has quickly crept up my ‘favourites’ list. There is simply so much to see and do in this wonderfully historic country, from it’s beautiful cliff edges, to stunning architecture, and friendly locals to clear waters, it is an island with many sides. I flew out to Malta at the beginning of the summer holidays with the little one to spend a week here, and we were delighted with what we found. Great additions of what to do in Valletta.

• Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
• Marsamxett Harbour
• Grandmaster’s Palace
• Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Triton Fountain
• Grand Harbour
• Fort Saint Elmo
• National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
• The Malta Experience

Read my full post on what to do in Valletta here.

Malta Itinerary Day 4 – Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon

Asking yourself what to do in Malta?! The Blue Lagoon is famous in Comino for its mesmerising waters and jaw-dropping scenery.

It’s well worth a trip as you can go snorkelling and swim in the cool clear waters and the take in the area’s dazzling beauty. Only 3.5 square kilometres, Comino is car-free and apart from one hotel, is virtually uninhabited but it does have the stunning Blue Lagoon. And other beaches on the island include Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.

We opted to visit the Blue Lagoon Malta on the fourth day of our trip, a Tuesday and early morning. This tactic ultimately paid off, and we managed to see the lagoon in all its wonder before the crowds arrived. Well worth a visit during your a week in Malta.

As soon as you arrive at Comino Island, you will see how crazy popular this place is. Arrive early and there will be slightly less people around, which is what I would recommend but get to 10.30am onwards and there are 100’s of people arriving at once. Normally, anything so touristy puts me off a bit, but this place is worth it. Add this place to your itinerary for a week in Malta.

Read my full post on visiting the Blue Lagoon here.

Malta Itinerary Day 5 – Mdina and Rabat

On our third day in Malta, we jumped on a bus from Mellieha and headed over to The Silent City, Mdina. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking large parts of Malta, Mdina is a small town, rich in history and surrounded by tall bastion fortifications. Today Mdina is a major tourist attraction recognised internationally as an important UNESCO World Heritage Site (currently on its tentative list).

Read my full post on visiting here.

 

Malta Itinerary Day 6 – Sliema and St Julian’s 

Sliema and St. Julian’s area are where things are happening right now. They are Malta’s capital for entertainment, shopping, nightlife, dining, upmarket property and accommodation and living the good life in general. In fact, a large percentage of businesses listed on this online travel guide is actually situated in or around this area. Connected by a lovely seafront promenade, with shimmering Mediterranean views, this collection of districts merge into one another, and are packed with shops, restaurants and bars.

Malta Itinerary Day 7 – Gozo and The Citadel

In case you’re confused, Gozo isn’t in Malta, it’s next door. Because the two islands are so close to each other they are often referred to as Malta & Gozo. The Republic of Malta is an archipelago, and it consists of 3 inhabited islands and less significant uninhabited islands (about 11).

The three important islands are Malta, Gozo and Comino, where you can find the Blue Lagoon. Gozo has a population of over 30,000 people, and despite being much smaller than Malta is well worth a day exploring the island. Victoria Citadel is the most visited point on the island, just after the Tal Mixta cave.

I would definitely recommend you to visit Victoria Citadel during sunset, as you might see some of the most beautiful views in Europe! The sunset was really impressive, and you can also have dinner inside the Citadella for that real Gozo experience. Add this place to your a week in Malta itinerary.

And if you’ve got an extra day…

 

Malta Itinerary Day 8 – Dingli Cliffs and the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most visited sites and is a number of sea caverns on the south-east coast of Malta, a short distance off the fishermen’s harbour of Wied iż-Żurrieq of Qrendi, Malta.

The location of the caves, combined with the rays of sunlight, lead to the seawater mirroring and showing numerous shades of blue on the cave walls and ceilings. The several caverns inside the grotto mirror the brilliant phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora and fauna, whilst other caverns show a deep dark shade of blue. Underwater, different colors of red, mauve, green, orange and yellow give an impressive and most welcoming picture to its visitors and are a sight to see!

Dingli is a village in the Northern Region of Malta, with a population of 3,608 as of March 2014. The village lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level, which is one of the highest points of Malta and thus has become a great tourist attraction due to the amazing views it offers from the cliffs.

The area provides not only open sea views over the tiny, uninhabited isle of Filfla, but is also a good vantage point over Malta. From the cliffs, there are also views of the nearby Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace. An ultimate must-visit for a week in Malta. 

a week in malta beaches

Where to stay in Malta

The Phonecia – Valletta

For your Malta Itinerary, if you’re dreaming of an exquisite hotel experience in one of the finest 5* luxury hotels in Valletta, look no further than The Phoenicia Malta. Despite actually staying at Maritim Antonine Hotel in Mellieha, we headed over to Valletta to visit The Phoenicia, as I had been invited for lunch and an afternoon by their infinity pool.

If you’re visiting Valletta, make sure you pop into The Phoenicia Valletta for an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-do for what to do in Valletta!

Steeped in history and boasting magnificent décor matched only by the stunning views, our hotel has been recognised as one of the Valletta’s best luxury hotel since it opened in 1947.

A visit to The Phoenicia Malta is nothing short of perfection; bringing together tradition, warm Maltese hospitality, modern amenities and all of life’s comforts. And located just a stone’s throw from Valletta’s most coveted attractions, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and Grand Harbour.

Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa

Located in Mellieha Heights, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Malta is one of the best hotels on the island. Only 1km away from the largest beach on the island, Mellieha Bay, the hotel is the ideal place to base yourself during a week exploring the wonderful island of Malta. Recently given a four-star of excellence, this hotel has a prime spot with breathtaking views across to Gozo and Comino due to its many terrace levels carved out of the town’s rocky slopes.

When staying at the hotel, you can relax around the outdoor swimming pool, which is set in the landscaped terrace or around the pool located on the rooftop. And a great new addition to the hotel is the newly renovated Marion Mizzi Wellbeing wellness facility, offering a spa, with indoor pool and treatment rooms. There is also a bus stop right outside the hotel for easy access to the rest of the island. Another great hotel to add to your Malta Itinerary.

Best Beaches in Malta

Top of your list on the Malta Itinerary should be a visit to the beach. There may not be many of them, but the beaches in Malta are incredible. They are beautiful, with white sand and clear waters, are mostly relaxed and offer everything you could need from a day at the beach.

The island was perfect for me, with an amazing mix of relaxation, alongside culture and history. If you want to combine the two, Malta is the place to visit. You just have to know where to find the little beaches, as they are hidden and fairly small. A week in Malta is more than enough time to visit most of these beaches. 

  • Mellieha Bay
  • Armier Bay
  • Paradise Bay
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Pretty Bay
  • Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

READ MORE: 6 Best Beaches in Malta

 

Malta Guide Book

For your Malta Itinerary, one of my must-have essentials for this trip was my trusty Marco Polo Travel Guide. From start to finish of the trip, this guide was my sole source of information, from finding out which cafe was best to visit in Mdina, to using Malta’s extensive bus network, and how to get the Blue Lagoon, and beat the crowds.

It also has a handy pull out the map at the back which we’ve since scribbled all over and used to map out of a week of adventures…

 

Did you enjoy this Malta Itinerary?! 

I hope it helps you plan your one week in Malta, including what to do in Malta and more importantly what to do in Valletta. 

 


My Travel Tips and Recommendations

Flights

To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use this link to get £25 off your first visit!

Photography and Technology

Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner. World Nomads is an affordable option that I personally recommend. BOOK HERE

 

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Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

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Sophie X

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